Whether you’re delightedly hosting the big Thanksgiving dinner this year, inherited the privilege, or were delegated the duty, it can be a lot to handle! With so many things to think about–the food, the decor, and the family–it is sometimes difficult to keep an eye on everything and everybody. To avoid ending the day in the emergency room or in the company of the fire department, it would behoove you to take a moment to review these safety tips.
When there are so many cooks in the kitchen and multiple complex dishes being prepared, it is especially important to remember basic kitchen safety. Recall knife safety, making sure that all your stove burners and the oven are off when they aren’t being used. Keep pot handles turned inward to avoid being knocked off the stove, causing burns and a huge mess to boot. Be cautious of letting the little ones help out, and only give them manageable tasks. When it comes to the decor, that beautiful centerpiece of candles and fall foliage is a delight to look at but a definite fire hazard–and more than one family Thanksgiving has been ruined by such a mishap!
If you have elderly guest joining you for the holiday, keep an eye out for these Thanksgiving hazards they might be more susceptible to:
1. Prevent slip-and-fall accidents by cleaning up liquid and grease spills right away.
2. Be mindful of choking hazards for those who have trouble swallowing, or difficult foods for guests with dentures.
3. Don’t stuff the turkey when you put it in the oven–instead, cook the stuffing separately and stuff the bird just before dressing and serving it to avoid potential salmonella poisoning.
4. On the same note, be cautious of under-cooking the turkey to avoid food poisoning. The USDA recommends that the safe temperature range for poultry is a toasty 165-180 degrees, measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh.
At the end of the day when the meal is over, take the time to refrigerate leftovers promptly. There’s nothing like a scrumptious next-day turkey sandwich, but it won’t be so delicious if it makes you sick! Remind your departing guests to be watchful of other drivers on the road on their way home, and of course, don’t allow anyone to drink and drive.
From our “Firm Family” to yours, we wish you a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!
Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
About Evan H Farr, CELA, CAP
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