The holidays are just around the corner, and millions of people will soon take to the road and kitchen to share time with loved ones. It is a peak time for congested travel and home cooking fires, so the American Red Cross asks everyone to follow the steps below to help stay safe this holiday.

Each year, Thanksgiving is one of the leading days for home cooking fires. You can help protect yourself and your family from home fires—the nation’s most frequent disaster—by testing your smoke alarms and practicing your escape plan with free resources from the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign.

“Cooking fires can destroy a family’s holiday celebration—and sadly, in some cases, their home,” said Lynn Speral, CEO of the American Red Cross Dakotas Region. “Please prepare now with your loved ones to safely enjoy the holidays.”

1. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year if your smoke alarm requires it.
   
2. Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
3. While cooking, don’t wear loose clothing or sleeves that dangle.
4. If you are frying, grilling or broiling food, never leave it unattended—stay in the kitchen. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires.
5. If you’re simmering, baking, roasting or broiling food, check it regularly.
6. Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
7. Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area. Make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
8. Keep anything that can catch fire—pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels or curtains—away from your stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
9. Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
10. Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.

HIGHWAY SAFETY

Each year, millions of people drive to spend the holidays with family and friends—making it one of the busiest times for road traffic. If you’re planning to travel by car, follow these safety tips:

1. Make sure your car is in good condition for a road trip.
2. Pack an emergency preparedness kit, supplies and a first aid kit in the trunk.
3. Share travel plans with a family member or friend.
4. Check the weather before departing and along your route. Plan for travel around any storms that may be coming.
5. Be well rested and alert.
6. Buckle up, slow down and don’t drive impaired.
7. Follow the rules of the road and use caution in work zones.
8. Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
9. Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
10. If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

THE FLU AND YOUR TRAVEL PLANS

If public transportation is part of your travel plans, remember it’s flu season. From luggage to seats, everything that you touch is likely touched by someone else. Follow these tips to help avoid the spread of germs.

1. Handle your own belongings.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water.
3. Carry hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes with you. You can use them to wash your hands or wipe down surfaces, such as armrests.
4. Bring your own pillows and blankets. They can act as a shield against the seat itself.
5. Avoid Touching your face or eyes. If you have to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue or your sleeve.

Download the American Red Cross First Aid App. The app provides users with quick, expert advice on what to do in case of emergencies including what to do if someone is choking. Find all the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.