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Thanksgiving food, fire safety tips

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Thanksgiving Safety TipsThanksgiving is a time for friends, family, and good food. It’s also the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

The American Red Cross recommends the following tips for a safe and happy Thanksgiving this year.

FIRE SAFETY

Each year there are more than 4,000 fires on Thanksgiving Day, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Make sure smoke detectors are working before starting your holiday cooking.
  • Keep potholders and food wrappers at least three feet from heat sources in the kitchen.
  • Avoid loose clothing and short sleeves when cooking.
  • Turn pot and pan handles inward on the stove to avoid accidents.
  • Keep children at least three feet away from the stove. The steam or splash from vegetables or gravy could cause serious burns.
  • Don’t leave your food unattended on the stove or in the oven.
  • Set timers to keep track of extended cooking times.
  • If deep-frying a turkey, keep your fryer outside and away from buildings and other flammable materials and do not overfill it with oil.

DO’S AND DON’TS FOR DEEP FRYING TURKEYS

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BURN FIRST-AID:

  • Cool off the burn with a cloth soaked in water.
  • After the burn has been cooled, cover it loosely with a bandage or clean cloth.
  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen for pain.
  • Watch for signs of a burn infection requiring medical attention, including increased redness, swelling, oozing and pain in the affected area.
  • For major burns, call 911. Burns that result from chemicals or electricity also require immediate attention.

FOOD SAFETY

  • If thawing a turkey in the refrigerator, allow 24 hours for every five pounds.
  • If using cold water for thawing, allow 30 minutes per pound.
  • If microwaving to thaw out a turkey, cook immediately.
  • For safety, stuffing a turkey is not recommended. Cook stuffing separately instead.
  • Throw out leftovers sitting at room temperature for more than two hours.
  • Divide leftovers into covered, shallow containers, for more even cooling.
  • Use refrigerated leftovers within three to four days.
  • Read more food safety tips from the USDA here)
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