Thanksgiving is the number one day of the year for home cooking fires in the United States, and leaving food unattended is the leading cause. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking accounts for 80% of Thanksgiving Day home fires and 40% of related injuries.

In an effort to ensure that everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving Day, the American Red Cross has provided the following important steps that people should take while preparing their Thanksgiving feast to prevent a tragic and holiday-spoiling fire.

Stay in the kitchen while using the stovetop or oven to keep an eye on things. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove or oven;

Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on;

Avoid wearing loose clothi

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