Local American Red Cross chapter shares cooking safety tips ahead of Thanksgiving

(WPTA) - Thanksgiving is a peak day for home cooking fires in the U.S., according to the American Red Cross.

To prepare, the organization’s local chapter is sharing the following cooking safety tips for the holiday:

avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking,

keep a fire extinguisher nearby and readily accessible,

keep flammable items away from appliances that generate heat,

clean cooking surfaces regularly,

be in the kitchen while appliances are in use,

use a timer as a reminder that appliances are on,

turn off appliances when you are not in the kitchen,

check that appliances are off before going to bed or leaving home, and

keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.

For more cooking fire safety tips from the American Red Cross, click here .