Thanksgiving table setting with turkey

5 Important Thanksgiving Safety Tips

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Did you know that most home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving? Believe it or not, Thanksgiving safety is a big issue because injuries tend to spike among most national holidays.

Safety is no joke, and while the holidays are a time to celebrate, it’s important to take necessary precautions to keep you, your family, and your friends safe.

Whether you’re a seasoned holiday host a first-time party thrower, you can never be too careful. We’d like to share 5 important safety tips that can help ensure you and yours enjoy a safe, happy Thanksgiving holiday.

1. Never Leave the Stove Unattended

Fire safety begins in the kitchen. Dishes can easily burn when left unattended, spoiling not only your meal but potentially the entire holiday. Fires can quickly and easily spread throughout your entire kitchen.

If you have to leave the stove for any reason, make sure someone is nearby to keep an eye on things.

Also, if you have small children in the home, keep them away from the stove. It only takes a few moments of inattention for a child to burn or cut themselves.

2. Watch for Spills

With several people milling about your home, it’s easy for someone to slip and fall on a spilled drink, grease from food, or tripping over something. Make sure to remove obstacles from high-traffic areas, and pay attention to the floors.

If you notice any spills, clean them up right away. If someone gets hurt, you may be liable.

3. Keep a Working Fire Extinguisher Nearby

If there’s a fire in your cooking area, throwing water on it might not be the best idea. Water won’t help grease fires and can cause even more damage if you throw water on electric appliances.

You want to be as prepared as you can in the event of a fire. Extinguishing the fire quickly, efficiently, and safely will go a long way to keeping the damage contained and your friends and loved ones safe.

4. Thaw Turkey Properly

Kitchen safety isn’t limited to fire protection. Salmonella is one of the most common illness-causing bacteria in food, with poultry being particularly notorious.

Thawing your turkey safely will depend on how big it is. Below is a guideline for safely thawing your turkey in the fridge:

  • 4 to 12lbs for 1 to 3 days
  • 12 to 16lbs for 3 to 4 days
  • 16 to 20lbs for 4 to 5 days
  • 20 to 24lbs for 5 to 6 days

5. Beware of Pets

No list of Thanksgiving safety tips is complete without mentioning pets. Depending on the size of your gathering, it might be best to keep pets in another room.

If you choose not to (or can’t), make sure not to feed them chicken or turkey bones. They tend to splinter and can cause serious injury to animals. Additionally, keep onions, leeks, grapes, garlic, chocolate, and raisins away from your dog. They can be hazardous to their health.

Have a Good Holiday With Thanksgiving Safety

While injuries tend to spike around the holidays, ensuring your family’s Thanksgiving safety isn’t that hard. All it takes is a little extra awareness on the part of you, your friends, and your family.

Our team at Allied Insurance Managers, Inc. is dedicated to your safety and comfort. For more information on how you can keep your family safe, contact us today.

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Allied Insurance Managers's Bio

Headquartered in Rochester Hills, Mich., Allied Insurance Managers is one of the largest, privately-owned, independent insurance agencies in Michigan.