Murfreesboro Fire Rescue wants to remind everyone of some important safety information for this Thanksgiving.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, and the day before Thanksgiving. The NFPA also reports that in 2016, U. S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,570 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day. The majority were caused by unattended cooking. The NFPA Fire Analysis and Research Division noted that cooking equipment was involved in almost half of all reported home fires and home fire injuries, and it is the second leading cause of home fire deaths.

Following the tips below can assist you and your loved ones with enjoying a safe and happy holiday:

• 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 kids should stay at least 3 feet away.
• Make sure kids 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 kids, 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 room with a lit candle.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button. If you do not have working smoke alarms in your home, contact MFRD at 615-893-1422. We can help!
• If you do have a fire in the home, get outside quickly and close the door behind you to help contain the fire...call 9-1-1 immediately.

Murfreesboro Fire Rescue wishes you and your family a safe and enjoyable week of festivities! For additional cooking or holiday safety tips, please visit www.nfpa.org.