As families prepare for Thanksgiving gatherings, fire officials are reminding the public that the holiday-and the day before-are the two highest-risk days of the year for home cooking fires in the United States.

According to the American Red Cross, cooking sparks an average of 158,400 home fires each year, accounting for 44% of all home fires nationwide. The Indiana Region of the Red Cross is urging Hoosiers to take extra precautions in the kitchen as they prepare holiday meals.

“Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, and the second leading cause of home fire deaths,” the organization said. “Most happen because people leave cooking food unattended. We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable holiday, so don’t leave the kitchen while you’re cooking.”

The Red Cross is offering several safety reminders:

Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food; turn off the stove if you need to step away.

Use a timer to keep track of what’s cooking.

Avoid loose clothing or long sleeves that could catch fire.

Keep children and pets at least three feet from cooking areas.

Keep flammable items – such as oven mitts, bags, packaging, and towels – away from heat sources.

Clean cooking surfaces frequently to prevent grease buildup.

Consider keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

Before going to bed or leaving home, make sure all appliances are turned off.

The Red Cross also stressed the importance of working smoke alarms. The group recommends installing alarms near the kitchen, on every level of the home, and inside and outside bedrooms. Residents should test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.

For families who cannot afford smoke alarms or are unable to install them, assistance may be available. More information can be found at redcross.org/inhomefire.