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(Jefferson City, Mo.)  Citing statistics that show firefighters respond to about three times the daily average of cooking fires on Thanksgiving, State Fire Marshal Randy Cole is cautioning Missourians to takes a few simples steps to avoid home cooking fires this Thursday.

"Statistics compiled by the National Fire Protection Association show that across the country, Thanksgiving is the worst day of the year for home cooking fires," said State Fire Marshal Randy Cole. "The good news is that many of these fires can easily be prevented, or losses reduced if a few safety measures are taken."

Tips to avoid a home cooking fire:

Keep cooking appliances clean of grease build-up which can easily ignite.

Applying a lid to a small grease fire is usually the most effective and safest method of controlling the fire.

Do not attempt to carry a pan that is on fire because it can ignite clothes or spill, causing severe burns.

In case of a fire inside an oven, turn off the heat and leave the door closed to cut off the fire’s air supply.

Use back burners whenever possible and keep pot handles turned inside so they cannot be pulled or knocked over.

Keep young children away from cooking appliances to prevent mishaps.

Before going to bed or leaving your home make sure all cooking appliances are in the "off" position.

Use extra caution when using turkey fryers due to higher risk of tipping over, overheating or spilling hot oil, leading to fires and burns.

Along with the holiday season comes colder weather and hazards associated with home heating. One potential hazard with the use of fossil fuels such as natural gas, propane gas, wood or kerosene is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Fire Marshal Cole points out that four Missourians have died in two separate incidents this month due to suspected carbon monoxide exposure. Cole says, "Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless toxic gas. Exposure symptoms are flu-like -- including nausea, head aches, dizziness, disorientation, and fatigue. If you experience these symptoms immediately open windows and exit the residence."

Tips to prevent carbon monoxide exposure:

Install and maintain at least one carbon monoxide alarm near all sleeping areas. Make sure the alarms are listed by a nationally recognized laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Have a qualified professional check all fuel burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at least once a year.

Never keep a car running in a garage even if the garage doors are open. Normal circulation will not provide enough fresh air to reliably prevent a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide.

Never use your oven or range to help heat your home and never use a charcoal grill in your home or garage.