Holidays are a time for family, friends, and food. Unfortunately, they can also be a time for accidents and injuries. As Thanksgiving approaches, take steps to keep your family and home safe this holiday. Here are a few tips for Thanksgiving safety.
Thanksgiving Safety: Don’t Leave the Cooking Unattended
Stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially when using the stovetop. Every year, cooking fires are a leading cause of house fires and fire injuries, and Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking accidents.
Never leave cooking unattended. Always have an adult present to watch the stove and oven. If you have to leave the kitchen, even for a minute, and don’t have a responsible adult to take over, turn off the stove or oven. Keep things that can catch fire away from cooking appliances, including potholders, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, and hand towels.
Food Safety at Thanksgiving
When preparing a Thanksgiving feast, keep food safety in mind. One way to do this is to avoid cross-contamination. Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria from one food item is transferred to another. For example, this can happen if you use the same cutting board or knife for raw meat and vegetables.
To avoid cross-contamination, wash your hands whenever you touch raw meat, use separate cutting boards and knives for raw meat and vegetables, and cook food items properly. These simple tips help ensure a safe and delicious Thanksgiving meal for all.
Prevent Slips and Falls While Cooking
Safety is one of the most important things to remember when cooking on Thanksgiving. Create a safe kitchen by cleaning up spills immediately. If you’re cooking with flour, oil, or grease, take extra caution. Not only can these be slippery, but they’re also dangerous if they come into contact with open flames.
If spills occur while you’re cooking, wipe them up immediately. You’ll keep your kitchen clean and tidy and prevent accidents from happening.
Alcohol Safety
If you’re planning on drinking alcohol this Thanksgiving, be sure to do so responsibly. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe during the holiday.
- Plan and designate a sober driver before the festivities begin.
- If you are drinking, eat a hearty meal first. Drinking on an empty stomach can lead to quicker intoxication.
- Pace yourself by sipping slowly and alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- If you’re hosting, prepare a guest room for family members who need to sleep over.
Safety When Using the Turkey Fryer
Many families prepare for the big day by purchasing a turkey. Some people opt to fry their turkey, which can be a delicious alternative to the traditional roasted bird. However, take precautions when using a turkey fryer, as it can be dangerous. Each year, there are reports of turkey fryer fires causing serious injuries.
Turkey fryers are hazardous if not used properly. Follow these safety tips if you plan on frying your turkey this Thanksgiving.
- Make sure the fryer is on a level surface away from flammable materials.
- Always use fresh oil; do not reuse oil.
- Do not overfill the fryer; this could cause the oil to spill and create a fire hazard.
- Only use the fryer outdoors, away from any flammable materials.
- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before frying.
- Never leave the fryer unattended while it’s in use.
These simple safety tips can help prevent a turkey fryer accident from ruining your holiday.
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