Thanksgiving means shared meals, family visits and plenty of activity, but a few simple safety checks can help keep holiday celebrations on track.

The Johnston County Emergency Management November safety calendar emphasizes food and travel precautions, although its posted illustration is dated 2022 rather than a new 2026 advisory.

Here are five reminders worth reviewing before guests arrive.

1. Stay close to the stove

Holiday cooking can become risky when someone steps away to answer the door or check on visitors.

Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling, and move towels, packaging and other flammable items away from burners.

North Carolina's Office of State Fire Marshal recommends a three-foot child-free zone around cooking areas.

2. Treat turkey fryers with extra care

Outdoor oil fryers can tip over or overflow, creating dangerous burns and fires.

Use a stable, level outdoor surface away from structures, completely thaw the turkey, measure the oil carefully and keep children clear.

The state's turkey-fryer safety guidance also encourages considering safer cooking alternatives.

3. Never put water on a grease fire

Water can make burning grease spread suddenly, turning a small kitchen fire into a much larger emergency.

For a small pan fire, carefully slide a metal lid over the pan and turn off the burner if it is safe to do so.

Leave the lid in place until the pan cools, and get out and call 911 if the fire spreads or cannot be safely contained.

The U.S. Fire Administration offers additional cooking-fire prevention advice.

4. Check smoke alarms

Test smoke alarms before the holiday gathering and replace batteries when needed, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Make sure everyone staying in the house knows two ways out and where to meet outside during an emergency.

5. Travel alert and sober

Allow extra time for holiday trips, slow down around pedestrians and avoid driving after drinking alcohol.

The county's November food-and-travel safety page offers a useful reminder to keep road safety in the holiday plans.

Whether you're cooking for a crowd or heading across Johnston County for dinner, a little preparation can protect the people around your table.