With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the Senate Republicans are sharing helpful tips to ensure that you and your family have a fun and safe holiday.

According to the American Red Cross, Thanksgiving and the day before are the top two days of the year for home cooking fires in the United States. Nationwide, cooking-related incidents cause an average of 158,400 home fires each year, accounting for 44 percent of all home fires. With millions of Americans preparing large holiday meals, the Red Cross warns that simple mistakes in the kitchen can quickly turn dangerous.

To help families stay safe this Thanksgiving, Illinoisans can follow these helpful cooking safety tips:

· Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.

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

· Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.

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

· Keep anything that can catch on fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains — away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance that generates heat.

· Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.

· Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.

· Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.

· Check your smoke alarm batteries.

Following these precautions can help prevent kitchen accidents and reduce the likelihood of a holiday fire emergency.