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The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially at Thanksgiving. Kids love to be involved in holiday preparations. Safety in the kitchen is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity and people at home. Here are some helpful TIPS to keep everyone safe:

1. Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
2. Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
3. Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
4. Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
5. Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
6. Keep knives out of the reach of children.
7. 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.
8. Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
9. Never leave children alone in room with a lit a candle.
10. Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

Did you know that the leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking? Further, Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment… IF YOU HAVE A COOKING FIRE:

1. Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
2. Call 9-1-1 after you leave.
3. If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
4. Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
5. For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Have a SAFE Thanksgiving Holiday.