Special to IFN

RALEIGH — As Thanksgiving approaches, N.C. State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor is reminding families that cooking remains the number one cause of home fires in North Carolina — and most are preventable.

“Thanksgiving should be a time for family, food, and gratitude — not for calling the fire department,” said Taylor. “Most kitchen fires start when someone leaves the stove unattended. Stay in the kitchen, stay alert, and stay safe.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, three times more home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving Day than on an average day of the year.

To help prevent a tragedy this holiday, the Office of State Fire Marshal offers these safety tips:

• Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food.
• Keep flammable items — like oven mitts, towels, and paper — away from stovetops.
• Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills or burns.
• Never use a turkey fryer indoors, in a garage, or on a wooden deck.
• Have a lid nearby to smother small grease fires — and never use water on a grease fire.

“Every year, we see families lose homes to fires that could have been prevented,” Taylor added. “A little attention and preparation can keep everyone safe — and your dinner on the table.”

North Carolinians are also encouraged to check smoke alarms before the holidays and ensure guests know the family’s escape plan in case of emergency.