Thanksgiving Cooking Safety
Thanksgiving is just a week away and many of us have already begun planning our meals: turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and most importantly, the pumpkin pie! The planning, preparation, and cleanup that go into Thanksgiving dinner always take way more time than it does to enjoy the food itself! Whether you?re having a bunch of people over and preparing a massive feast, or if its just you and your sweetheart with a modest meal, it?s important to be safe so you have less stress this holiday season.
According to the American Red Cross, cooking fires, the leading cause of home fires, almost double on Thanksgiving. On a statistical average, about 110 people will die on Thanksgiving this year alone due to cooking fires! Consider these tips to ensure you and your loved ones don?t become another one of these statistics.
1. Check your smoke alarm. The most effective way to prevent a fire is with a smoke alarm. If you already have one, check to make sure it is working and change its batteries if needed. If you don?t have one, its never too late to get one, and Thanksgiving is as good of a time as any.
2. Fry your turkey outside. If you?re planning on frying your turkey this be sure to do it outside and a good distance from the house. Grease fires are more dangerous than normal fires, so it?s important not to leave it unattended. When you?re near the fryer, be sure that you?re wearing clothing that covers all your skin to avoid burn from grease splatters.
3. Don?t leave food that is cooking unattended. Be sure to keep an eye on your dishes to make sure they aren?t burning. If you must leave the room, set a timer to remind you that your food is still cooking. Along with that, you should never leave the house while you have food cooking.
4. Be careful when kids and pets are in the kitchen. Kids always love to help cook, and pets always love to beg for scraps when you?re cooking. When they are in the kitchen make sure that they are not in the way so you don?t bump into them or trip over them and cause an accident. Keep them away from the stove and oven so they don?t get burned!
5. Put out the candles. After your guests leave and all the clean up is done, make sure to put out all the candles you have lit in the house. It?s easy to forget they?re burning, and that could potentially be a very serious hazard.
1201 NW Briarcliff Pkwy #345
Kansas City, MO. 64116
816-888-4528
farmersagent.com/bchandler
bchandler@farmersagent.com
