Safety: 7 Thanksgiving Cooking Safety Tips

Thanksgiving is around the corner! This time of year, is marked by good food, good company, and the start of the holiday season. Big feasts are part of the Thanksgiving tradition. While looking for recipes, shopping for groceries, and prepping the sides, safety can sometimes be forgotten. We’ve put together a list of cooking safety reminders and tips to help you pull off a delicious dinner without disaster this holiday.

Have a Fire Extinguisher Ready

Keeping a fire extinguisher handy is another easy way to help keep everyone safe. Sometimes fires start unexpectedly, and you can handle them quickly before they escalate. Make sure everyone in your home knows where the fire extinguisher is located and how to use it. For cooking fires, never use water to try to put it out. Instead, use a fire extinguisher or a fire blanket.

Don’t Desert the Turkey

Too many cooks can be great in a Thanksgiving kitchen. They make sure that food is never left unattended over open flames. If you’re manning things yourself, call in backup when you need to leave the room.

Use Timers  

Stay organized and save food from overcooking with several kitchen timers. You aren’t as distracted when you know the minutes are accounted for. In addition, it keeps you safer because you don’t let roasting dishes get too hot and reach temperatures that can damage and spark the oven’s heating element.

Set up a Kid Safe Area

Kids love to help, so don’t ban them from the kitchen. Instead, explain that they have to stay on their side of safety by staying away from the oven and stove. Set up prep areas that young chefs can call their own for lending a helping hand or just hanging out for holiday conversation.

Keep Flammables at a Distance 

Potholders and dish towels are obvious hazards, but napkins, food packaging, and cooking utensils can also catch fire on the stovetop. Designate a corner away from open flames for safely stashing unused items.

Unplug the Unused 

Cut down on potential electrical overload and sparking by cutting down on countertop appliances. If you don’t use it, store it. This is one of those Thanksgiving cooking safety tips that also help keep your busy kitchen organized.

Dress For Cooking Success 

Think about what you plan on wearing for that all-day cooking marathon. A favorite sweater tossed around your shoulders, or long, loose sleeves can turn you into a fire hazard. Instead, wear tighter-fitting garments and comfortable shoes that keep you on your feet instead of setting you up for a fall.