With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s easy to get wrapped up in our to-do lists, rushing to decorate, clean, shop, cook, and entertain guests. So much so, that we forget the simple things to be mindful of that keep our holidays safe.
With these 7 simple reminders, you’ll be on a safer path to a warm holiday this year, instead of a needless trip to the emergency room for you or your guests.
Remind Me Now, Thank Me Later
- Never leave a hot oven or stove unattended. We know that Turkeys can take forever to cook, not to mention the numerous other side dishes that you’re preparing as well. It’s easy to think, “I’ll just run to the store around the corner to grab something and be back in ten minutes. What could go wrong?” Dripping oils can cause smoke and food can easily catch fire in the oven quickly. Make sure someone is always on standby near the kitchen to ensure safety.
- Watch your glass dishes around heat. Thanksgiving is usually when we wash off the casserole dishes that have been stored away in spare cupboards for months and it’s easy to forget that they all can withstand different thresholds of heat. Never leave a glass dish or lid near an open flame. Extreme heat can cause the glass to explode, potentially resulting in injury, ruined food, and a tedious mess.
- Don’t put water on a grease fire. So many turkeys are deep-fried these days, severely increasing the risk of grease fires, but even those cooked the traditional way stand the risk of catching fire. In moments of panic, grabbing water to throw on a fire is usually our first instinct. But with fires ignited by cooking oil or fat, water will only make it much worse. Instead, turn off the heat, put a metal lid over it (if possible) or put your fire extinguisher to use. Remember, if the fire is too large to control, get out of the house and call 911 immediately.
- Handle your food safely. Even if it is just a small meal for family members, it’s important to remember safe food handling, cooking, and storage to prevent foodborne illness and cross contamination. If you’ve washed your turkey in the sink then you’ve probably spread salmonella in places you can’t even see. The USDA agrees, we need to be washing our hands, not the turkey. Also remember to check the thickest part of your turkey with a thermometer, and to put away and store left overs properly.
- Refresh your choking safety. Because holidays bring us together to eat and share in stories and laughter, they’re also notorious for leading to choking incidents. Taking a few minutes to ascertain which guests are trained in first aid, such as choking, and CPR, could go a long way. Familiarize yourself with the Heimlich Maneuver and remember to appoint someone to call 911 immediately before performing care.
- Routinely walk through the party to check for safety hazards. With large gatherings, you’re not going to see everything that’s happening, which is why it’s important to walk around and survey the area for any safety risks. Make sure sharp knives are put out of reach from children, make sure the stove is off and all food warmers are unplugged. Also, blow out candles and keep an eye on the fireplace.
- Don’t drink and drive. This should go without saying, but it’s a conversation that doesn’t happen enough before the party begins. Talk to the people you’re riding with and decide if there’s going to be a designated driver or plan alternative transportation home.
Have a Thanksgiving to Remember
We hope that these 7 tips will give you a Thanksgiving filled with good memories, food, and laughter.
Tell us in the comments below what you’re thankful for this year.