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Feasting with Safety: Thanksgiving Tips for a Happy and Healthy Celebration

By November 15, 2023Safety

Feasting with Safety: Thanksgiving Tips for a Happy and Healthy Celebration

As the leaves turn vibrant hues and the aroma of delicious dishes fills the air, Thanksgiving brings families and friends together for a day of gratitude and feasting. While creating lasting memories is at the forefront, it is essential to prioritize safety to ensure a joyous and incident-free celebration. Let’s explore some key Thanksgiving safety tips to help you and your loved ones enjoy the holiday season responsibly.

Cooking Caution: Thanksgiving is synonymous with a grand feast, and the kitchen is the epicenter of the culinary magic. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution:

  • Never leave the kitchen unattended while cooking.
  • Use timers to prevent overcooking or burning.
  • Keep flammable items away from the stove and oven.

Turkey Time Safety: The turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving table, but mishandling it can lead to foodborne illnesses or accidents.

  • Thaw the turkey safely, following recommended guidelines.
  • Practice proper hand hygiene after handling raw turkey.

Fire Safety First: With multiple dishes cooking simultaneously, the risk of kitchen fires increases. Take preventive measures:

  • Ensure smoke alarms are working and test them before guests arrive.
  • Have a functioning fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

Childproofing the Celebration: Thanksgiving often involves a bustling household, and child safety is paramount:

  • Designate a safe area for children away from the cooking zone.
  • Keep hot items out of reach of little hands.

Considerate Cooking for Allergies: With diverse dietary needs, it’s crucial to be mindful of potential allergens:

  • Inquire about guests’ food allergies and label dishes accordingly.

Safe Travels: For those hitting the road to celebrate, road safety is paramount:

  • Drive cautiously, follow speed limits, and always wear seat belts.

Moderation in Merriment: Thanksgiving festivities may include alcohol, so it’s vital to celebrate responsibly:

  • Arrange designated drivers if needed and monitor alcohol consumption.

Furry Friends and Food: Pets are part of the family, but certain Thanksgiving foods can be harmful to them:

  • Keep pets away from turkey bones, chocolate, onions, and other toxic foods.

Leftovers Love: While savoring the post-Thanksgiving delights, remember to:

  • Refrigerate leftovers promptly (within two hours) to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Emergency Preparedness:

  • Keep emergency numbers, including the nearest hospital and poison control, readily available.

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, joy, and creating cherished memories. By incorporating these safety tips into your holiday celebration, you can ensure a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, happiness, and most importantly, the safety of your loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving from ICC Compliance Center.

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Karrie Ishmael, CDGP

Karrie Ishmael has been with ICC since 1988. She has contributed to ICC's growth in various capacities, including customer service, sales, and marketing. In her current role as ICC's Senior Regulatory Expert and SDS author, Karrie conducts hazardous materials training classes in 49 CFR, IATA, IMDG, TDG along with OSHA and WHMIS hazard communication courses. When not training, she writes safety data sheets for customers to comply with North American and European requirements. She actively participates in many associations, including DGAC, COSTHA and is the former chair of SCHC’s OSHA Alliance Committee.