Thanksgiving Safety

Home Owners

Oct 27

Thanksgiving is one of the most cherished holidays, filled with food, laughter, and togetherness. However, the hustle and bustle of prepping large meals and hosting can also bring safety risks if you're not prepared. Whether you’re the home cook or a guest, these safety tips will ensure that everyone stays safe and enjoys a happy, healthy holiday.

1. Kitchen Safety for Cooks

Most Thanksgiving mishaps happen in the kitchen, so it’s crucial to take extra precautions when preparing large meals.

Practice Safe Cooking Habits

Between 2017 and 2021, cooking caused more than 158,000 home fires, according to the NFPA. Stay safe by following these guidelines:

- Never leave cooking unattended. Whether it’s a turkey roasting in the oven or potatoes simmering on the stove, be sure to keep a watchful eye.

- Keep flammable items away from heat sources. This includes paper towels, dishcloths, and even your apron.

- Turn handles inward. Keep pot handles turned inward to prevent accidental spills, especially when children are around.

- Have a fire extinguisher close by. It’s smart to keep one in the kitchen just in case. Make sure it’s rated for grease fires (Class B).

2. Turkey Cooking Safety

Whether roasting or frying, cooking the Thanksgiving turkey safely is a top priority.

For Roasting:

- Completely thaw the turkey before cooking to avoid undercooked areas, which can harbor bacteria.

- Clean your oven before the big day to avoid smoke and potential fires.

- Use a meat thermometer. Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria.

For Frying:

- Set up outdoors. Never fry a turkey inside your home, garage, or near a wooden deck.

- Ensure the turkey is thawed and dry. Water mixed with hot oil can cause serious flare-ups.

- Monitor the temperature of the oil carefully and never leave the fryer unattended.

3. Fire Safety Beyond the Kitchen

While the kitchen may be the hotspot for safety risks, don’t forget about other areas of the home during the holiday.

- Test smoke alarms before your guests arrive. With the increased cooking activity and house guests, it's important to know your smoke detectors are working.

- Check CO detectors. If you’re using gas stoves, ovens, or fireplaces, ensure your carbon monoxide detectors are working.

- Have a fire escape plan. With more people in the house, know how to get everyone out in case of an emergency.

4. Safe Hosting Tips for Guests

It’s not just the home cook that needs to be mindful of safety. Guests also have a role to play in keeping the festivities safe.

- Designate safe areas for kids and pets. With hot stoves and sharp knives in the kitchen, it’s best to keep children and pets out of high-traffic areas.

- Clean up spills immediately. Accidents are more likely to happen when there’s a crowd. Make sure to wipe up any spills to prevent slips and falls.

- Monitor food allergies. If you’re hosting, be sure to ask your guests ahead of time about any allergies and prepare dishes accordingly.

5. Holiday Décor Safety

While setting the mood for Thanksgiving is important, safety should also be top of mind.

- Candle safety: Keep lit candles out of reach of children and pets, and never leave them unattended. Consider using flameless LED candles for an extra layer of safety.

- Avoid overcrowding electrical outlets. If you’re using string lights for festive decoration, avoid plugging too many devices into the same outlet to reduce the risk of electrical fires.

6. Food Safety

Besides ensuring that everything is cooked properly, handling leftovers safely is also crucial.

- Store leftovers promptly. Refrigerate food within two hours of serving to avoid bacteria growth.

- Use shallow containers. Store food in shallow containers to cool it quickly and evenly.

- Reheat leftovers to 165°F. Make sure any reheated food reaches a temperature of 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria.

7. Final Thoughts: Stay Safe and Enjoy

With just a few extra precautions, you can ensure a Thanksgiving filled with joy and without any emergencies. From kitchen safety to guest etiquette, being mindful of these tips will help keep your holiday safe, relaxed, and full of memories to cherish for years to come.

Happy Thanksgiving!