American Red Cross issues Okla. holiday safety tips

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The American Red Cross says Oklahomans should take precautions with cooking and decorating as cold winter weather settles in for the holidays.

During the last round of cold air, the Red Cross of Central and Western Oklahoma responded to more than 35 house fires and provided assistance to more than 100 people.

Agency spokesman Ken Garcia says cooking is the leading cause of home fires. Garcia says Oklahomans should take safety measures to make sure their homes and families are safe from the threat of fires as they cook, entertain and string holiday lights. Tips include testing smoke alarms and keeping anything that can catch fire away from the stove.

The National Fire Prevention Association says Christmas Day, Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving are the top three days for cooking fires.