As area residents prepare Thanksgiving Day meals, the Greater Edisto Chapter of the American Red Cross urges families to be cautious in the kitchen and take action to prevent home fires.

Thanksgiving Day has more than double the number of home cooking fires than the average day, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. In fact, each year, more than 4,000 fires occur on Thanksgiving Day.

"Unattended cooking is the leading cause of Thanksgiving Day home fires, and it's easy to understand why," said Cindy Smith, chapter executive, Greater Edisto Chapter. "It's so easy to become distracted and lose track of what's happening in the kitchen when you are enjoying spending time with family and friends.

"We want everyone in our area to have a happy and fire-free Thanksgiving Day, so we're urging people to stay alert and keep safety in mind while preparing a holiday feast."

To prevent kitchen fires, the Red Cross recommends keeping pot holders and food wrappers at least three feet away from heat sources while cooking. In addition, stoves, ovens and ranges should be turned off if the responsible adult leaves the kitchen. Also, set timers to keep track of turkeys and other food items that require extended cooking times.

If you plan to use a turkey fryer this holiday season, the American Red Cross strongly recommends following all manufacturer guidelines regarding the use of these appliances.

If you are entertaining guests, it's a good idea to designate a responsible family member to walk around the home, making sure all candles and smoking materials are extinguished once guests leave.

Greater Edisto Chapter responded to more than 70 home fires last year in Orangeburg, Barnwell and Allendale counties and provided 70 families with emergency assistance including shelter, food, counseling and more. This support is dependent on the financial contributions of area residents. You can help the Red Cross continue to be ready to respond and help fire victims by making a financial contribution to Greater Edisto Chapter, 545 Louis St., Orangeburg, SC 29115.

For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information, visit www.redcross.org/homefires.

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