Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year to cook and gather for a feast. But during this and other holidays, the kitchen can be a dangerous space. To be safe, proper kitchen safety and food handling are essential. Let’s learn some staggering statistics and explore these top tips to keep your holiday feasts happy, healthy, and disaster free!
Practice fire safety
Per National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, “For most, the kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. From testing family recipes to decorating cakes and cookies, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations.” Fire safety must be a priority, especially during the holidays. They explain that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, with Christmas Day and Christmas Eve ranked second and third, with both having nearly twice the average. NFPA shares:
- Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.
- Cooking causes just over half of all reported home fires (52%) and is a leading cause of home fire deaths.
- On Thanksgiving Day alone, about 1,446 home fires were reported in the U.S. in 2023, 388% of the daily average.
- 80% of home fires on Thanksgiving are due to cooking.
These frightening statistics call for people to pay attention and be extra safe in the kitchen by:
- Making sure that smoke alarms are in good working order and testing them by pushing the test button.
- Having the proper fire extinguisher handy and learning how to operate it. Fire extinguishers are typically user-friendly, but it’s always a good idea to feel comfortable and prepared for fire emergencies.
- Never storing items inside the oven nor resting non-cooking items on top of the stove such as a pizza box.
- Staying in the kitchen while you are cooking. Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Keeping children and pets away from hot stoves and ovens. Likewise, keep kids and pets away from hot plates, hot liquids and food, steaming trays, lighters and matches, knives, lit candles, and items with cords.
- Avoiding using turkey fryers that use cooking oil. Note that turkey fryers that use cooking oil are considered unsafe as they use large amounts of oil at high temperatures and pose significant danger.
Practice Safe Food Handling:
Real Simple shares essential food safety rules Thanksgiving hosts should know, according to expert advice. They explain, “Whether hosting a traditional celebration or an intimate two-person feast, food safety should be at the forefront of your mind.” The American magazine company advises that even the most experienced Thanksgiving dinner hosts should refresh themselves on mistakes that could put guests at risk. This includes:
- Washing hands properly before and after handling raw meat and poultry. Click here to watch a proper handwashing demonstration.
- Clean the kitchen promptly as you go – especially before and after handling raw meat and poultry. After cleaning with soap and water, disinfect surfaces with sanitizer.
- Storing, defrosting, handling and cooking the turkey safely using proper techniques typically provided on turkey packaging. Also avoid cross contamination.
- Not relying on guesswork. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of foods like turkey.
- Avoid eating foods like raw cookie dough that contain uncooked eggs or flour. They may contain contaminants that can make you sick.
- Per safety directions, avoid leaving food out at room temperature for extended periods of time. Promptly cover and refrigerate leftovers as needed or otherwise discard.
- Learn the Heimlich Maneuver. Knowing this simple first-aid technique to help victims who are choking can help save lives.
When it comes to food handling, take it seriously. Here are some jarring facts about food borne illnesses, also called food poisoning:
- FDA describes that America’s food supply is among the safest of the world. Despite this, the Federal government estimates that there are about 48 million cases of foodborne illness annually. This is the equivalent of sickening 1 in 6 Americans each year.
- Foodborne illness can have varying causes, such as contamination of food by pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, and more. There are many organisms that can make people sick. There are also different types of foodborne illness, from Botulism to V. vulnificus infection.
- You can’t see, smell or taste harmful bacteria – so following safe food guidelines is the main way to prevent foodborne illness. Click here for a list of appropriate cooking temperatures, a cold storage chart, and other valuable information as provided by USDA.
- Improper handling, cooking or storage of food can cause foodborne illness. Contact a healthcare professional if you believe you have food poisoning. Click here for a list of symptoms.
- Symptoms of foodborne illness vary per individual and can range from relatively mild discomfort to very serious life-threatening diseases, with the young and elderly at highest risk of serious consequences.
Don’t miss out
Nobody wants to be in danger or ill during the holiday season. Practicing fire safety protocol and employing safe food handling practices are two main ways to stay safe during this festive time of year. Did you know that you can significantly up the safety and health factors by sharing and utilizing these last-minute kitchen safety tips? Be wise, do your part in preventing holiday-related accidents so that everyone can enjoy the special season to the fullest!
Disclosure: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice.
