Did you know that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires? In fact, you’re three times more likely to experience a fire on Thanksgiving than on an average day. As you prepare for your holiday feast, it is important to keep safety in mind. Protect yourself and your loved ones by following these tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

• Stay in the home while cooking your turkey and check on it frequently. Use a timer to remind yourself that you’re cooking.
• Keep flammable items such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, towels, curtains, and food packaging away from the stovetop.
• Keep kids away from the stove. The NFPA recommends that children stay at least three feet away from a hot stove or oven.
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children.
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children—up high in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave candles or other open flames unattended.
• Test your smoke alarms.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!