Thanksgiving is a time to be with loved ones and eat delicious food. The hectic nature of holiday events can lead to safety issues. Here are some basic Thanksgiving safety tips to keep in mind to help you enjoy your holiday.
Cooking Safety
Your usual safety practices in the kitchen should also be applied during the holidays. Use caution when operating the oven and stove to avoid burns. Have a fire extinguisher on hand, and never try to put out a grease fire with water. Don’t leave cooking unattended. If you must step out of the room, have another adult present to keep an eye on the food.
Some additional safety steps may be necessary during Thanksgiving. If you are using a turkey fryer, it should be used outdoors and several feet away from your home. Thaw your turkey completely before cooking it and make sure that the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash your hands after handling raw meats and use separate cutting boards; one for meats and another for produce.
Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Children and Pets
Keep children and pets out of the kitchen while food is being prepared to avoid injury. Assign an adult to watch kids elsewhere in the home. Put dangerous objects, including knives and cleaning products, out of reach of children. Pets in the kitchen can get underfoot and cause accidents. A baby gate can be helpful for blocking a pet’s way into the kitchen. Keep food safely out of your pet’s reach. Dispose of bones and food waste safely away from pets.
Keep an eye on young children. Help small kids by cutting their food into smaller bites and reminding them to chew each bite thoroughly.
Safety Tips for Traveling at Thanksgiving
The roads are usually busier during the holidays. Plan your travel route and check for detours, weather conditions, and traffic updates before you leave. To keep your home safe, don’t provide information about your travel plans on social media. Wait to share pictures from your trip until you return home. To create the illusion that your home is occupied, set up some of your lights and the TV to operate on a timer.
Make sure everyone stays in seat belts during a road trip. Do not use your cell phone while driving. If you must make a call or send a text, have a passenger take over communications for you. Never drive intoxicated and keep an emergency kit with first aid supplies and jumper cables in your vehicle.
Following these basic Thanksgiving safety tips can help you have an enjoyable and safe holiday. By practicing safety, you are protecting everyone in your home from potential danger.
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