(From the Findlay Fire Department)

The Findlay Fire Department is sharing some Thanksgiving safety tips.

Fire Inspector Eric Wilkins says cooking is the number one cause of house fires, and more cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year.

As Inspector Wilkins said in the audio above, while you’re cooking, stay in the kitchen and remain alert, and if you’re baking or roasting something be sure to check it regularly.

Keep anything flammable away from the stove, like oven mitts and paper towels.

Don’t cook if you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol.

If you use a turkey fryer to prepare your turkey, make sure the turkey is completely thawed, as frozen turkeys and hot oil do not mix well at all.

Also, be sure not to overfill your turkey fryer and to keep it at least ten feet away from any structures.

Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.

“And don’t hesitate to call the fire department, that’s what we’re here for,” Wilkins said.