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🦃 Thanksgiving Safety — Protect Your Home, Family & Feast

Gratitude and Gathering Safely

Thanksgiving is one of America’s favorite holidays — a time for family, food, and reflection. But it’s also one of the most hazardous days of the year for kitchen fires, travel accidents, and even foodborne illness.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, Thanksgiving is the number one day of the year for home cooking fires — with three times as many as an average day. The National Safety Council notes that Thanksgiving weekend is also one of the busiest and deadliest travel periods.


With the right preparation, you can enjoy the feast without emergencies interrupting your gratitude.


Common Thanksgiving Hazards


1. Cooking Fires

Unattended stoves, deep fryers, and oven mishaps cause thousands of fires each Thanksgiving.


2. Foodborne Illness

Improperly thawed or undercooked turkey, cross-contamination, and leftovers left out too long are major culprits.


3. Slips & Falls

Crowded kitchens, spilled liquids, and decorations create trip hazards for guests and kids.


4. Travel Risks

More vehicles on the road, tired drivers, and potential bad weather increase accidents.


5. Burns & Cuts

Sharp carving knives, hot pans, and boiling liquids make Thanksgiving a high-injury day.



Staying Safe — Thanksgiving Safety Strategies


🔥 Kitchen & Cooking Safety

  • Stay in the kitchen: Don’t leave stoves or ovens unattended while cooking.

  • Keep children & pets away: Establish a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around cooking areas.

  • Deep-frying caution:

    • Only fry turkey outdoors on a flat surface, far from structures.

    • Thaw and dry turkey completely before lowering into hot oil.

    • Wear long sleeves, oven mitts, and use a thermometer to prevent oil overheating.

  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby: Know how to use it (PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).


🥩 Food Safety

  • Thaw safely: Thaw turkey in the fridge (24 hours per 4–5 lbs). Never thaw at room temperature.

  • Cook thoroughly: Turkey internal temperature should reach 165°F in the thickest parts.

  • Prevent cross-contamination: Separate cutting boards for raw meat and produce. Wash hands and surfaces often.

  • Leftover safety: Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Eat within 3–4 days or freeze.


🚶 Trip & Fall Prevention

  • Clear floors: Keep walkways free of clutter, cords, and rugs.

  • Clean spills promptly: Wipe up grease or water right away.

  • Good lighting: Ensure stairs and entryways are well-lit, especially if guests arrive after dark.


🚗 Travel Safety

  • Plan ahead: Expect heavy traffic; leave early and allow extra time.

  • Don’t drive drowsy: Get enough rest before long drives.

  • Seatbelt check: Everyone buckled, even on short trips.

  • Weather readiness: Check conditions and pack emergency kits (blanket, water, snacks, phone charger).

  • Avoid impaired driving: Thanksgiving weekend is one of the worst for drunk driving — designate a sober driver.


🩹 Burn & Cut Prevention

  • Use sharp knives carefully: Cut away from your body and keep handles dry.

  • Turn pot handles inward: Prevent spills and burns from accidental knocks.

  • Protect hands: Use oven mitts, not wet towels, when handling hot pans.


🧒 Child & Pet Safety

  • Secure dangerous items: Knives, matches, lighters, and cleaning products should be out of reach.

  • Monitor play areas: Keep kids away from busy kitchens and driveways.

  • Pet-safe feast: Avoid giving pets turkey bones, chocolate, grapes, onions, or fatty scraps.


Fire & Home Safety Checklist

  • ✅ Test smoke alarms before cooking day.

  • ✅ Keep oven mitts and towels away from burners.

  • ✅ Don’t overload electrical outlets with slow cookers and warmers.

  • ✅ Have a working fire extinguisher accessible.


Emergency Preparedness

  • Know how to smother grease fires: Cover with a metal lid — never use water.

  • Poison control: 1-800-222-1222 (U.S.) for food-related emergencies.

  • First aid kit handy: Burns, cuts, and slips can happen unexpectedly.

  • Basic CPR & choking response: Big meals mean choking risk increases.


Feast Without the Fear

Thanksgiving should be about gratitude and togetherness — not frantic calls to 911. By staying mindful in the kitchen, planning safe travel, and protecting loved ones, you can keep the day joyful and injury-free.


Remember:

  • Stay in the kitchen while cooking.

  • Practice safe food handling and temperature checks.

  • Clear hazards and watch children/pets.

  • Travel smart and sober.

  • Keep emergency tools ready.


From all of us at APF Consulting, LLC — Safety Starts with YOU.


Want to feel prepared beyond Thanksgiving? Take our CPR Course and download our Thanksgiving Home Safety Checklist and our Holiday Cooking Safety Checklist to protect your family year-round.

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