The Union Township Fire Department spoke to News 12’s Lauren Due about how to avoid Thanksgiving Day fires.

Cooking fires in homes occur more often on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Lt. Matt Hokanson, of the Union Township Fire Department, recommends being watchful whenever using an open flame.

Items like candles must be “on a level surface, out of the way of children, pets, and properly extinguished before you leave the room,” he said. “You want to keep them away from things like curtains, drapes and blankets.”

He also reminds citizens to never put water on a flammable liquid and to always have a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher close by.

“When the water gets into the pan and the grease, it will splash up and light cabinets and other things on fire. You want to use a fire extinguisher for that.”

“The acronym we teach everyone is PASS. Pulling the pin. Take your nozzle and aim it. Squeeze the handle and sweep it side to side,” he said.

Some other tips include checking on smoke alarms, ensuring your Thanksgiving turkey is fully thawed before frying, and turning pot handles into the stove so they cannot be knocked over.