Red Cross shares fire safety cooking tips for Thanksgiving

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — With Thanksgiving just days away, it is important to make sure you’re practicing safe cooking while prepping the holiday meal.

“Thanksgiving is one of the top days for cooking fires. I know it can get busy with people at your house, but if you leave the area, make sure you turn off the burner and make sure the area is safe,” Jocelyn Hillard, the Regional Communications Director for the American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island said.

According to the Red Cross, not only Thanksgiving, but the day before hold the highest chances for a house fire.

“Here in Rhode Island, the Red Cross responds to an average one home fire a day throughout the year but we do generally see an uptick in the winter in home fire responses,” Hillard continued.

With large gatherings a possibility for most, officials said having a proper safety plan in place is important.

“The Red Cross encourages everyone to make that home fire escape plan. You may have as little as two minutes to escape your home should a fire occur and every second is precious,” Hillard explained further.

In addition, officials said setting timers in the kitchen while cooking or baking, not wearing loose clothing and not leaving anything flammable near hot spots in the kitchen are the best ways to prevent a fire.

If you or someone you know needs a smoke detector installed, click here. You can also call the American Red Cross at 1-877-287-3327 to schedule an appointment.

The Red Cross is also seeking volunteers. Anyone interested can learn more about how to get involved here.