Cooking Safety Tips for Thanksgiving

One of the most delicious holidays of the year can unfortunately result in accidents or injuries. Though Thanksgiving is a busy time with plenty of family and friends causing us to multitask between cooking and visiting, a few simple reminders can keep preventable accidents at bay.

Don’t be a fire starter

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 1,400 fires on Thanksgiving Day in 2019 occurred in residential buildings. Avoid becoming another statistic by following these tips.

• Check your home smoke alarms and replace batteries if they haven’t been changed recently.
• Keep children and pets away from the stove.
• Remain close to where the turkey is cooking to check on it frequently.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen.
• If a grease fire happens to occur, do not douse with water. Use a fire extinguisher.

Fry like a pro

Frying a turkey is a favorite pastime for many people at Thanksgiving. Make sure your deliciously fried turkey doesn’t cause a disaster by taking a few safety steps:

• Keep your fryer outdoors on a level surface, off of decks and at a safe distance from trees and other structures.
• Children and pets should stay at least 3 feet away from fryer.
• Wear a long sleeve shirt and pants when frying, along with protective equipment like gloves and goggles.
• Defrost the turkey completely before frying, as ice and water mixed with hot grease causes fire flare-ups.
• Don’t use a fryer in the rain.
• Carefully follow fryer manufacturer instructions and avoid overfilling the fryer with oil.
• Never leave the fryer unattended.
• Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey in. Once turkey is submerged, the burner can be turned back on.
• When finished, take the pot off the burner and allow to cool overnight on a level surface before emptying.

Cook until it’s done

It’s important to properly cook all foods in your Thanksgiving feast and remember these guidelines to avoid foodborne illnesses or upset tummies.

• Cook your turkey to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after touching raw food items.
• Avoid handling raw and cooked food together.
• Clean utensils after they are used on raw food.
• Let the turkey sit for at least 20 minutes prior to carving to allow time for juices to settle.

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