Day: November 21, 2012

Wishing You a Safe and Healthy Thanksgiving

Posted by

1

On the eve of Thanksgiving, we are thankful for many things not least you – our readers. So we’d like to help keep you and your family safe and healthy this holiday with a few seasonal safety tips.

While we all know the dangers of Thanksgiving over-indulgence, did you know that cooking, rather than eating is the number one cause of accidents and illness over the holiday!  So whether you plan on deep frying the turkey or stuffing it, here’s some basic advice to help keep you safe.

Food Poisoning 

  • Wash hands thoroughly when handling uncooked meat
  • Keep cooked and uncooked meats separate from each other…and other food
  • The turkey should be completely thawed before cooking
  • When oven cooking a turkey, the oven temperature should be no lower than 325°
  • Ideally, cook stuffing outside the turkey, but if you choose to stuff, make sure the stuffing reaches a minimum temperature of 165°

Burns 

  • Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors, on a solid level surface a safe distance from buildings and flammable materials.
  • Never use a fryer on a wooden deck, under a patio cover, in a garage or enclosed space.
  • Don’t overfill the fryer.
  • Never leave the fryer unattended because, without thermostat controls, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
  • Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use or after use as the oil can remain hot for hours.
  • Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts and safety goggles to protect from splatter.
  • Keep all-purpose fire extinguishers nearby.
  • If a turkey fryer fire occurs, call 911 immediately.
  • Avoid wearing lose clothes. A dangling sleeve can easily catch fire.
  • Make ovens and fryers a “Kid Free Zone”.
  • Keep pot handles toward the back burners to reduce risk of knocking pots over.

Cuts

  • Stay focused when slicing food.
  • Give the carving duty to the most experienced carver. No first timers allowed!

Heartburn – many people eat too much, too fast on Thanksgiving which can quickly cause heartburn, indigestion and create chest pain. This can feel like a heart attack which leads people to seek medical attention.

  • Eat slowly
  • Take breaks in between courses
  • Keep antacids on hand

A happy and healthy Thanksgiving to all!