Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year — one when friends and family gather to catch up, feast on a delicious meal, and simply enjoy the holiday. But, the holiday season can also bring with it stress and carelessness which can make a perfect recipe for accidents and injuries.

Whether you’re inviting guests over or traveling someplace else this Thanksgiving, safety should always be a top priority. By adopting these Thanksgiving safety tips, you can ensure a fun time for you and your loved ones this season.

Follow these safety tips to help make your Thanksgiving safe, happy, and worry-free.

Kitchen Safety

According to the National Fire Protection Institute, Thanksgiving is the peak day of the year for home cooking fires, with unattended cooking as the leading contributing factor. Stay safe in the kitchen by following these tips:

• Keep children away from the stove.
• Do not leave food cooking or the stove unsupervised.
• Keep the kitchen floor clear and and free of trip hazards.
• Keep matches, lighters, candles and knives out of the reach of children.
• Keep baking soda on hand to put out small kitchen fires.
• Make sure all smoke alarms are working.
• Keep a household fire extinguisher nearby and familiarize yourself with proper use.
• Do not leave candles burning unattended and do not burn candles near flammable items.

Food Safety

Incidents of choking and food poisoning increase during the holidays as people are preparing and consuming more food than usual.

• Always wash your hands after handling raw or under-cooked poultry.
• Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and produce to prevent cross-contamination.
• Cook the turkey at a minimum of 325 degrees and to an internal temperature of 165 to 180 degrees to ensure the turkey is cooked thoroughly.
• Store leftovers within 2 hours or toss them.
• Find out if your guests have any food allergies or sensitivities and consider labeling dishes with common allergens like nuts and dairy.

Pet Safety

Our four-legged friends need to be kept safe during the holidays as well.

• The Veterinary Medical Association warns that chicken and turkey bones should never be given to pets as they can splinter and cause a choking hazard.
• Dogs should be kept away from any dish that has onions, leeks, garlic, raisins, grapes, or chocolate, as those foods can be hazardous to their health.
• Cats should not consume onions, garlic, raw eggs and meat, chocolate, grapes, raisins, and dairy products.
• Before bringing decorative plants and flowers into your home, consult your vet to make sure that they are not harmful to your pet if ingested.

Travel Safety

Thanksgiving is one of the most travel-heavy times of the year. Be prepared before hitting the road.

• Buckle up, every trip.
• Don’t text and drive.
• Plan your route ahead of time.
• Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained.
• Keep warm blankets, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, and an emergency kit in the car.
• Be aware of weather conditions and prepare ahead of time.
• Never drink and drive.

At Correct Temp, your comfort and safety is always our top priority. From our family to yours, we wish you a safe, fun, and festive Thanksgiving.