Wilmington, DE, November 15, 2007—As we prepare Thanksgiving Day meals, the Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula urges families to be cautious in the kitchen and to take action to prevent a home fire. Thanksgiving Day has more than double the number of home cooking fires than an 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 Margi Prueitt, Chief Executive Officer of the Delmarva Peninsula Red Cross. “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 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,” said Terri Abegglen, Administrator, Emergency Services.

To prevent kitchen fires, the Red Cross recommends that you keep potholders 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 that you follow 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 that all candles and smoking materials are extinguished once guests leave.