Staying safe while cooking Thanksgiving dinner

(WOLF) -- The State Fire Commissioner is urging people to cook safely while celebrating Thanksgiving.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire crews across the country responded to more than 1,700 home cooking fires on the holiday in 2015.

That’s the highest number on any one day in the year.

The Red Cross says to avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking, use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on, and when deep frying a turkey, make sure to keep it away from your home and don’t fry it frozen.

“Watch the temperature gauges. Don’t ever leave children unattended near a turkey fryer; an accident can take a split second to happen. Try to use protective gear when you’re frying a turkey such as gloves that extend to the elbow, aprons, even a shield around your face isn’t a bad idea because it takes only a moment for hot oil to splash up into someone’s face,” MedExpress Physician Assistant Elizabeth Hreha said.

First degree burns can be treated with ice water and antibiotic ointment from a pharmacy.

Anyone suffering from more severe burns should go to the hospital or a burn center.