American Red Cross urges South Carolinians to prioritize fire safety this Thanksgiving

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Thanksgiving is a time for festive meals and family gatherings, but it's also the most dangerous day of the year for cooking fires.

With kitchens heating up across South Carolina, the American Red Cross urges families to take simple yet critical steps to prevent their holiday celebrations from becoming disasters.

"Home fires are a real threat to communities across South Carolina over the Thanksgiving holiday," said Yolanda Gainwell, Interim Chief Executive Officer for the Red Cross of South Carolina. "In particular, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires, year after year, Thanksgiving is the peak day for these tragedies. We at the Red Cross are urging families to follow cooking safety steps to help prevent your holiday celebrations from going up in smoke."

To help keep families safe, the Red Cross has shared the following safety tips:

Stay present in the kitchen. Never leave cooking food unattended. If you need to step away, turn off the stove.

Eliminate hazards near the stove. Keep flammable items such as dishtowels, paper, bags, and curtains at a safe distance.

Avoid loose clothing. Wear snug-fitting clothes to prevent sleeves from catching fire.

Be prepared for emergencies. Keep a pan lid or cookie sheet nearby to smother flames in the event of a fire. Cover the pan and leave it until it cools completely.

Reduce risks of accidents. Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills or burns from accidental bumps.

Set reminders. Use a timer to keep track of cooking times and check that all appliances are off before leaving the kitchen, going to bed, or leaving the house.

The Red Cross also emphasizes the importance of monthly smoke alarm tests and practicing home fire escape plans. Preparing ahead can save lives.

As families gather to celebrate, the Red Cross encourages everyone to prioritize safety, ensuring that the holiday season remains a joyful and fire-free occasion.