Tips For a safe Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, great food and quality time with loved ones. As you gather with your loved ones, it’s crucial to remember that safety should be on the menu as well. Read the following tips to help you make Thanksgiving as safe as it will be delicious.

Stay Safe While Cooking

The kitchen is a common place for accidents. The average number of reported residential building fires on Thanksgiving Day was more than double the average number of fires in residential buildings on all other days. Cooking was the leading cause of all Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings.

Keep safety front and center and follow these guidelines when cooking:

Never leave your pan unattended. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand. Keep flammable items away from the stove. Keep a pan lid or baking sheet nearby so you can cover the pan if it catches on fire. Prevent Food Poisoning

When preparing food for family and friends, it’s important to keep food fresh and safe to eat. By following food handling guidelines, you can prevent common causes of food poisoning.

Keep produce separate from meat, poultry, seafood and eggs in your shopping cart and in your grocery bags. Store and serve food at the right temperature. Food should be stored below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and cooked to the proper internal temperature. Remember to refrigerate food within two hours of purchase and always thaw food safely in the refrigerator, in a cold-water bath, or in the microwave. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before preparing or serving food. Wash utensils, cutting boards and counters that have touched uncooked or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, eggs or flour before using them on anything that will be served raw. Travel Safety

If you’re hitting the road for Thanksgiving, ensure you are well-prepared for what travels lay ahead. Make sure your car is in good working order for a road trip, pack an emergency preparedness kit and check the weather before departing. If you are traveling alone, be sure to share your travel plans with someone and take breaks throughout your journey to ensure you’re fully rested and alert.

If you are using public transportation, such as a flight or a train, check that you have what you need for wherever you are visiting and make sure to consider weather conditions.

For more tips on Thanksgiving safety, visit:

www.fema.gov/blog/5-tips-gobble-safe-thanksgiving