Sometimes we get busy planning a perfect Thanksgiving meal and cut corners which may be unsafe. We want your 2021 Thanksgiving to be one that you remember for all the right reasons, not an unfortunate mishap or worse. We recommend using these safety tips to ensure we remain thankful for family and friends not surviving a severe accident.

To help keep you and your loved ones safe this Thanksgiving, the American Red Cross offers these safety tips:
-
Keep an eye on what you fry. Never leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.
-
Move items that can burn away from the stove. This includes dishtowels, bags, boxes, paper, and curtains. Also keep children and pets at least three feet away.
-
Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
-
When frying food, turn the burner off if you see smoke or if the grease starts to boil. Carefully remove the pan from the burner.
-
Keep a pan lid or a cookie sheet nearby. Use it to cover the pan if it catches on fire. This will put out the fire. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
-
Turn pot handles to the back of the stove, so no one bumps them or pulls them over.
-
Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on. Check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to ensure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
-
Celebrating with the people you live with is the safest choice. If you do celebrate with people who don’t live with you, gatherings and activities held outdoors are safer than indoor gatherings.
-
Do not attend or host a holiday gathering if you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19.
-
If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC’s Domestic Travel or International Travel recommendations for unvaccinated people. Everyone, even people who are fully vaccinated, will still be required to wear a mask on public transportation.
Red Cross
Celebrate More Fireworks at Columbus City Park
Save room for more Fireworks offered at Columbus City on July 9th. This fantastic night of exciting fireworks is brought to you by the Columbus KS Fire Rescue.
Joplin’s 2022 Independence Day Celebration
Bring the family to the Joplin celebration on the 4th of July at Missouri Southern State Fred G. Hughes Stadium.
4th of July Celebration
Come celebrate July 4th Independence Day at Buffalo Run Casino & Resort with live music, petting zoo, food, ninja course, Warbird/Helicopter Flyover, fun for all, & the LARGEST fireworks display in Miami, Oklahoma. Gates open, and free activities
Red White & Boom
Celebrate the 4th of July in Carthage at the Red, White & BOOM!! Join us for a fun day of activities with food trucks, vendors, music, and much more.
4th of July Baby Contest
Don’t forget the Pittsburg Parks & Recreation ~ Pittsburg, KS is having a 4th of July Baby Contest. This contest is for ages 6 months thru 24 months.
Carl Junction 4th of July Parade
Come out to Carl Junction, MO, and enjoy a family fun Fourth of July parade. Bring your lawn chairs, sunscreen, and bottled water and help celebrate our Nation’s Independence Day.
City of Pittsburg July 4th Celebration
We hope you plan to join the City of Pittsburg Parks & Recreation Department as they have planned two days of celebrations.
Light Up The Sky on July 2nd
Come out and enjoy free family fun with activities and delicious food for everyone. Celebrate our great nation with the 180 Church that is located at 7380 East 20th Street in Joplin, MO. Fireworks will begin at dusk, but the celebration starts at 7:00 pm.
Independence Day Performations I 35th Infantry Division Band & Four State Symphonic Winds
The Bicknell Family Center for the Arts at Pittsburg State University hosting a free concert featuring a patriotic mix of music! We’ll open the house for seating at 6:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7:00.
Carterville Fire Department Selling Fireworks
The Carterville Fire Department is selling fireworks to help you maximize your 4th of July celebrations. Head on over to 101 E. Main in Carterville, MO, and support our local heroes. Discounts are offered to First Responders