As Thanksgiving approaches, home-cooking becomes more customary in homes throughout the country. With several cooks in the kitchen preparing multiple dishes, various activities goi
ng on, and children scattered about, it’s important to take extra precaution.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the number of kitchen fires triples on Thanksgiving Day.
Here are some safety tips to remember while hosting Thanksgiving with family and friends:
Basic Hosting Tips
- Place oven mitts, plastic wrap, plastic spatulas and other flammable materials away from the stovetop.
- Tie back loose hair, and roll up sleeves.
- If children want to help with the meal preparation, be sure to watch them intently. It’s best to give them a project away from the stove and oven, as well as away from sharp utensils.
- Face pot handles away from the edge of the stove, where they can easily be knocked over.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, or a pan’s lid for easy access to extinguish the fire. Do NOT douse a stovetop fire with water.
- Try using battery-operated candles or non-flame decorations for table centerpieces.
Turkey Safety:
While deep-frying a turkey saves you a sufficient amount of time versus roasting it, it can have additional dangerous repercussions. Given the high rates of snow and rain lately, it is advisable to avoid frying your turkey this year. If snow or rain hits the hot cooking oil, the oil can easily splatter and burn you or others nearby.
If the weather is in your favor, however, follow these simple tips to deep-fry your turkey:
- Place the fryer on a flat and sturdy surface.
- The fryer must be kept outside.
- Keep a safe distance away from flammable materials, buildings, children and pets.
- Ensure your turkey is completely thawed before placing in the fryer.
Once all the excitement has died down, and your friends and family have left for the evening, make sure all appliances (oven, stove, fryer, barbeque) are turned off and all candles are extinguished.
Created by Chelsea Haley, DKI Ventures, LLC
