Home fires spike during the holiday season, and cooking accidents remain one of the leading causes. The American Red Cross is urging families to take extra precautions in the kitchen as more meals are prepared during the holidays.

The Red Cross says unattended cooking, grease buildup, and loose clothing can all quickly turn into dangerous situations. Staying in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food is critical, and officials recommend turning off the stove if you need to step away — even briefly.

Jeannie Gardner, Regional Disaster Officer for the Illinois Red Cross, says the risk is real. She notes that one in five people the Red Cross helps after a home fire receive assistance during the holiday months alone. Gardner adds that fires can spread rapidly, leaving as little as two minutes to escape.

Safety tips include keeping flammable items away from the stove, using timers to remember appliances are on, and keeping children and pets at least three feet from cooking areas. The Red Cross also encourages families to regularly clean cooking surfaces to prevent grease buildup and to always double-check the kitchen before leaving home or going to bed.

More cooking safety tips and information on creating a home fire escape plan are available at redcross.org/fire.