Red Cross offers tips to help you avoid a cooking fire this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving and the eve of Thanksgiving are the top two days in the U.S. for the chance that a cooking fire can break out. 

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, home fire injuries and the second leading cause of home fire deaths, according to the American Red Cross of Central and Northern Missouri. 

Helpful tips include staying in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. 

Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on. 

Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas. 

Keep anything that can catch on fire, like potholders and oven mitts, away from your stove top and oven. 

Lastly, install a smoke alarm near your kitchen and replace all batteries at least once a year.