According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) on Thanksgiving Day alone, an estimated 1,610 home cooking fires were reported to U.S. fire departments in 2022, reflecting a 399 percent increase over the daily average. Cooking causes over half (52%) of all reported home fires and nearly two of every five (36%) home fire injuries, and it is a leading cause of home fire deaths (17%). Ranges and cook-tops account for almost three out of every five home fires reported involving cooking, with ovens accounting for 13% of those fires. Here are some tips to keep in mind when preparing food, not just during the holiday season but all year.

• Never leave food that you are frying, boiling, grilling or broiling unattended! If you leave the kitchen, even for a short amount of time, turn off the stove.

• Create a “Kid Free Zone” of at least three feet around the stove or anywhere you are preparing hot food or drinks.

• Keep the area around the stove clear of towels, papers, potholders, or anything that can burn.

• If you have any doubt fighting a small fire, just get out! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency number from outside the home.

Frying a turkey has become more popular in recent years.

• Make sure to not overfill oil in the fryer. Fill the pot you plan to use to fry the turkey with water and place the turkey in. This will help to determine how much oil is needed without causing oil to spill out when you are ready to fry, which could lead to a fire.

• Use the turkey fryer outdoors ONLY!

• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before frying.

• Use long cooking gloves that protect hands and arms when you handle the pot!