Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and festive meals, but it is also the leading day of the year for home cooking fires in the United States. With busy kitchens and multiple dishes cooking at once, even a brief distraction can create a dangerous situation.

The American Red Cross South Florida Region encourages residents to prevent cooking fires, practice home fire safety and learn lifesaving skills to help keep their loved ones safe this Thanksgiving.

COOKING SAFETY TIPS

The Red Cross wants everyone to have a happy — and safe — Thanksgiving. Follow these 10 tips to help prevent cooking fires and protect your loved ones.

1. Stay in the kitchen while cooking. Never leave food unattended on the stovetop. If you need to leave, turn off the burner.
2. Set a timer. Keep track of dishes cooking in the oven and on the stovetop.
3. Keep children and pets away. Establish a three-foot safety zone around cooking areas.
4. Keep flammable items away from heat. Move oven mitts, towels, paper products, food packaging and wooden utensils away from burners.
5. Wear safe clothing. Avoid loose sleeves or clothing that could catch fire.
6. Prevent grease fires. Clean cooking surfaces regularly and never leave hot oil unattended.
7. Use turkey fryers safely. Fry turkeys outdoors on a flat, level surface, well away from homes, garages, decks and other structures. Never use a fryer indoors, and make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before frying.
8. Know how to handle a grease fire. For a small pan fire, carefully cover it with a lid and turn off the heat if safe. Leave the lid in place until the pan cools. Never use water on a grease fire.
9. Know when to evacuate. If a fire spreads or cannot be safely controlled, leave immediately and call 911 from a safe location.
10. Check before going to bed. Make sure cooking appliances are turned off before leaving home or going to sleep.

Follow these tips and visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including how to create and practice a home fire escape plan.

SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Smoke alarms generally need to be replaced every 10 years. If you need help obtaining or installing smoke alarms, contact your local Red Cross to learn about available home fire safety programs.

KNOWING LIFESAVING SKILLS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Emergencies such as burns, cuts and cardiac arrest can happen during holiday gatherings. Knowing first aid, CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) can help save lives. The American Red Cross offers training to help people respond confidently in an emergency. Find a class at redcross.org/takeaclass.

This Thanksgiving, a few simple precautions can help protect the people who matter most. By practicing cooking safety, checking smoke alarms and learning lifesaving skills, South Florida families can help make the holiday safer for everyone.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international aid; and supports military families. The Red Cross depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public. Visit redcross.org/southflorida or follow @SFLRedCross.