As you and your family prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday this Thursday, please take a moment to read these safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

-- 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 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.