Thanksgiving No. 1 Day of the Year for Cooking Fires in U.S.

Thanksgiving is the No. 1 day of the year for home cooking fires in the U.S., and leaving food unattended is the leading cause of those incidents, the Red Cross reported.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking accounts for 80% of Thanksgiving Day home fires and 40% of related injuries.

Thanksgiving also brings an increase in medical emergencies, like burns, cuts, car accidents and cardiac-related incidents.

The Red Cross says there are 10 steps to follow as people prepare their Thanksgiving feast.

1. Stay in the kitchen while using the stovetop or oven to keep an eye on things.
2. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove or oven.
3. Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
4. Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
5. Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.
6. Keep anything that can catch fire ─ potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains ─ away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance that generates heat.
7. Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup.
8. Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.
9. Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.
10. Frying your turkey this year? Never use a fryer near your house or other structure. Place the fryer on a flat, even surface. Never fry a turkey that’s not fully thawed.