“We want folks to have a safe holiday. Whether folks travel by
plane, train or they take to the highway, there are things they
can do to have a safer trip,” said Stan Gibert, Red Cross East
Tennessee regional communications director. “We also have steps
they can follow to avoid ruining their holiday with a cooking
fire.” The cooks should start by not wearing loose clothing or
dangling sleeves while cooking. Never leave cooking food
unattended — stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or
broiling food. If someone must leave the kitchen for even a
short period of time, they should turn off the stove. Other
safety steps include: n Check food regularly while cooking and
remain in the home while cooking. Use a timer as a reminder that
the stove or oven is on. n Keep kids away from the cooking area.
Enforce a “kid-free-zone” and make them stay at least three feet
away from the stove. n Keep anything that can catch fire — pot
holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags,
food packaging, and towels o