Before you gather with family for Thanksgiving, take a few moments to read our safety practices for an injury-free holiday. Kitchens are bustling with activity, so it is important to be vigilant about your family's safety.
The kitchen
- Never hold a baby or small child while cooking at the stove.
- Turn the handles of pots and pans inward so they can’t be grabbed by little hands.
- Be careful with kitchen towels and oven mitts around the stovetop.
- Know the location of your fire extinguisher. Remember to have it recharged once a year.
- Keep powdered items like sugars and spices out of reach, as they pose choking hazards.
Deep-frying a turkey outside
- The fryer oil will be heated to 350 degrees or more. Avoid spills or splashes to prevent burns.
- Prevent fryer tip-overs by using a solid base on a flat surface more than ten feet away from the house.
- Never allow children or pets near the fryer. Never leave the fryer unattended.
- Only deep-fry a completely thawed and dried turkey. A still-frozen turkey can cause oil to spatter.
- Keep a fire extinguisher close by and call 911 immediately if a fire starts.
Other safety tips
- Keep children away from the dining room table as sharp knives and delicate glass may items be present.
- Never leave children unattended around lit candles or fireplaces.
- Check that your smoke alarms are in working order and that the batteries are new.
- It is easy to become distracted by meal preparations. Make sure babies and small children are being watched.
- Houseguests may not be used to baby-proofing and home safety practices. Ensure that small items like coins or hard candies are out of reach, as well as medication bottles and alcoholic beverages
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and enjoyment. Use these safety tips to stay safe and injury-free. Happy Thanksgiving!