People who are looking forward to the upcoming holidays should keep fire safety in mind.

“Holidays are there for enjoyment,” said DeKalb Fire Chief Bruce Harrison. “We are just trying to make sure there are no holiday disasters.”

During the holidays, some may forget the dangers of cooking.

“Kitchen fires are the number one source of fires, of those fires happen most often when people are not paying attention,” said Lt. Karl Froehlich, DeKalb Fire Prevention officer.

Grease fires and oven fires are dangerous, and the fire department should be contacted, even if the fire is already out, stated the press release.

Knowing what to do if a fire occurs is also important.

Fire safety plans should be made in case a fire cannot be prevented; plans should have at least two escape routes and be practiced for them to work well.

“If you thought of [a plan], then it is a good plan,” Froehlich said.

He said imagining how to stay safe in dangerous situations should be done more often.

Turkey frying is another cooking-related danger the department wants people to be aware of.

“There will probably be one fire related to a deep-fat fryer…people underestimate the danger,” Harrison said.

Fireplaces and chimneys are also a source of danger.

The fire department recommends that all ashes should be removed after a fire, no matter how long the fire has been out.

The release also states the need to keep up with regular maintenance with chimney and fire places.

“Chimneys should be professionally inspected at least once a year,” Froehlich said.

The department’s release is geared toward helping prevent any tragedies during the holiday season by keeping people well-informed.

“As always, we wish to have a happy and safe holiday,” Harrison said.