The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, issued safety tips for people preparing holiday meals.

“There are more cooking fires in November than in any other month, with Thanksgiving being the peak day with roughly three times the average number of fires than any other day,” DESPP Commissioner Dora Schriro said in a statement.

The agency recommends the following tips:

• Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop.

• Inspect electric fry pans, crock pots, pots and cooking tools for frayed cords and bad connections before using them. Do not submerge electric appliances in water.

• Always remain in the kitchen while frying, grilling or broiling food.

• When simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, check the pots and pans regularly to ensure the contents don’t spill over, run dry or burn. Remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer as a reminder that it is time to turn down or turn off the burner or oven.

• If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, do not use the stove or any cooking appliance or accessory.

The agency issued the following guidelines in the event of a cooking fire:

• Keep a lid nearby when cooking to smother a small grease fire. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

• If the fire gets out of control, all occupants should leave the house immediately and close the door behind them. Call 9-1-1 as soon as you evacuate.

DESPP said in the release that it discourages the use of turkey fryers, which can lead to burns and injuries and the destruction of property due to the large amount and high temperature of oil used.