U.S. Department of Homeland Security provides tips to help keep you safe on Thanksgiving

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- From travel to cooking to finishing up decorations, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has tips to help keep you and your family safe on Thanksgiving. Travel safety The department advises drivers to take note of the forecast before heading on the roads. Drivers are also recommended to keep an emergency supply kit in case of bad weather or car trouble. Your kit should include jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a car cell phone charger, a blanket, a map and cat litter or sand. Cooking safety Since cooking is the leading cause of home fires, the department reminds folks to always keep an eye on food when cooking. When cooking, folks should also move anything away from the stove that could burn, like dishtowels, curtains and paper. If an oven fire happens, you should turn your oven off and keep the door closed until it's cold. Fire safety The department also reminds folks to make sure their smoke alarms are working. People are also reminded to keep candles away from things that can burn, and holiday lights should be turned off before leaving home or going to bed. Extension cords should not be overloaded. Also, if you have a live Christmas tree that is already up, make sure to water it, as a dry tree can catch on fire easily.