Are you as excited for Thanksgiving as we are?

If the answer is yes, make sure to check our previous blog post for more details on car safety during the holiday. But if you’re focused on doing all of the cooking during this holiday, how ready are you to make sure your following important cooking safety steps so that your home and your loved ones are safe during the dishes preparation?

The Red Cross has released an extensive list of safety tips that could help your entire family to have a safe holiday during one of the most crowded times of the year all around the country.

When it comes to cooking the several beloved signature Thanksgiving items we are all so excited for, the Red Cross safety experts have urged consumers to make sure that certain basic safety tips are followed to ensure everybody’s safety.

If you’re the one in charge of cooking,—or supervising those who will be cooking— keep in mind that, in the absence of someone in the kitchen, the stove should be turned off. Even if the supervisor is leaving the kitchen for a short period of time, keeping the stove off will ensure children and others who are not so familiar with how the appliance works won’t be exposed to any major risks.

Using timers to remind you that the stove or oven is being used will help you to avoid potentially chaotic moments in the kitchen. Also, making sure that the food is being checked regularly can also help.

The Red Cross list of safety tips also includes one very important item: make sure children and pets are nowhere near the cooking area.

Too often, children are burned or injured by playing near pots filled with boiling food items. Making sure the little ones are away from the kitchen will help to ensure their safety. Especially during Thanksgiving, families gather with all members of their families and close friends. Children may end up being seriously injured if they are not under the supervision of their parents or other adults.

Making sure that things that may catch fire such as oven mitts, pot holders, paper and plastic bags, wooden utensils, towels, food packaging items, or curtains are as far away from the stove as possible.

Having a fire extinguisher in the home will also help in case of emergencies. Think about purchasing one for the Thanksgiving festivities just in case—it could save your life.

If you have any further concerns related to these safety tips, make sure to read the full article published by the Red Cross.