Each holiday season, families from all walks of life gather to share in the most celebrated meal of the season, Thanksgiving dinner. However, while this season’s festive family gathering may have you loosening your belts, it’s time to tighten up on kitchen safety.

According to the American Red Cross, approximately seven people die every day from home fires, with the most vulnerable being children and the elderly. Check the tips below to make sure your kitchen is up to par before flying in family from near and far:

  1. Never leave cooking food unattended. Whether you are frying, grilling or broiling, make sure someone is always in the kitchen to check on the food.
  2. Avoid wearing loose or dangling clothing.
  3. Establish a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet from the stove.
  4. Keep flammable items such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, plastic packaging or paper bags away from the appliances you are using to cook.
  5. Check on the food regularly and set a timer to remind yourself that the oven or other appliances are on.
  6. Turn the pot and pan handles towards the back of the stove to avoid bumping into them.
  7. Clean cooking surfaces and appliances which may accumulate grease often.
  8. Make sure all kitchen appliances are turned off before leaving or going to sleep.
  9. Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen in case of emergencies.
  10. Having a smoke alarm can greatly reduce the risk of home fires.

The American Red Cross has installed 2,895,508 smoke alarms across the country, making 1,209,875 households safer. Through Sound the Alarm, local Red Cross volunteers install free smoke alarms, create escape plans and share fire safety information. 

Visit the Texas Gulf Coast Home Fire Safety page to request smoke alarms or learn more about your local volunteer opportunities.

Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for more information.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,196 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

Story By: Cerenity Dai