As you prepare for your Thanksgiving celebrations, Santa Barbara County fire officials have a message: “Safety Belongs on Every Menu."

Their seasonal campaign highlights the dangers of distracted cooking which is one of the leading causes of home fires this time of year.

Fire experts remind residents to stay with the stovetop at all times and never leave food cooking unattended.

They say pot handles should be turned inward, and children and pets kept at least three feet from hot surfaces and liquids.

They stress that anything that can burn like towels, oven mitts, or packaging should be kept well away from the stovetop. Timers are also recommended to prevent dishes from being forgotten in the oven.

If a small grease fire breaks out, officials say to turn off the burner and slide a lid

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