For many of us, Thanksgiving is a holiday that requires hours of time in the kitchen preparing a feast for our family and friends. Yet the kitchen is the most common place in your home for fires, it may also be a place where injuries such as burns and cuts are likely to happen.

In fact, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires.

But with a little bit of advance planning and care, these fire risks can be minimized and, in the event of an accident, you can be better prepared to deal with it quickly.

Thanksgiving Fire Prevention

Always stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially when using oils at a high temperature. Most stovetop fires start with oils, grease and fats serving as the source of ignition. And be sure to monitor other foods cooking on the stove or in the oven. If left unattended, foods can burn and pans can melt causing fires in the home.

In case you do have a fire start, be sure to have a UL Listed fire extinguisher kept in the kitchen where everyone in the family knows where to find it and how to use it. Always have working smoke/heat detectors in all rooms—including the kitchen.

Using well-insulated potholders and mitts can prevent many burns. But make sure they are dry as water conducts heat from hot pans and baking dishes directly to your hands.

It may sound strange, but a dull knife is more likely to result in cuts when preparing food. Sharp knives are more efficient and require less pressure to slice and chop. And remember to always cut away from yourself while using a proper cutting board.

No matter how careful you and your family may be in the kitchen, accidents will happen, so be sure to have a well-stocked first aid kit nearby to handle minor burns and cuts.