10 tips for Thanksgiving safety

Family and friends excitedly gather to show their gratitude, ovens are working overtime and savory aromas fill the air.

Thanksgiving has arrived once again, and here are some tips from the 86th Airlift Wing Safety office to help keep the celebration — and you — out of the emergency room.

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.

• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.

• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and children should stay three feet away.

• Make sure children stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.

• Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over children, toys, pocketbooks or bags.

• Keep knives out of the reach of children.

• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.

• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.

• Never leave children alone in a  room with a lit candle.

• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

The NFPA also discourages the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil.

For more safety tips and information on fire prevention during the holidays, visit www.nfpa.org.