Thanksgiving Health & Safety Reminders

Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRYGS8GjpH_/

Food Safety

1. If you’re planning on turkey, thaw your frozen turkey safely

• In the refrigerator 24 hours per 4–5 lbs

• Never leave the uncooked turkey on the bare counter — bacteria grow quickly at room temp.

2. Don’t wash your turkey

• Washing spreads bacteria around the kitchen.

3. Cook your turkey to a safe internal temperature

• Use your thermometer probe to check that your turkey’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in three places: thickest part of breast, thigh, and wing joint.

4. Keep any raw and cooked foods separate

• Separate cutting boards for meats and produce.

5. Follow the 2-hour refrigeration rule

• Refrigerate leftovers at 40 degrees F or below within 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.

6. Reheat leftovers properly

• Heat to 165°F before serving.

General Health & Wellness

7. Watch your portion sizes as you scoop that stuffing and mashed potatoes onto your plates. Over-abundant meals can strain your digestive tract, exacerbate gastroesophageal reflux, and cause your blood sugar to spike.

8. Keep hydrated

The foods you eat during the holidays are super-salty. Drink plenty of water at the meals and between them.

9. Watch your alcohol consumption:

• Pace your drinking

• Eat before you begin drinking and keep it up as you drink.

• NEVER drink and drive.

10. Have a 6th sense for choking risks

Children Safety

11. Keep hot pans and carving tools out of the kids’ reach. Statistics show that scalds and cuts rise sharply during holidays.

12. Prevent accidental ingestions

Small objects, batteries, and medications should be stored securely away from probing hands and exploring eyes.

Home & Kitchen Safety

13. Don’t leave foods cooking unattended

Cooking fires spike on Thanksgiving more than any other day of the year.

14. Be certain that your smoke alarms are functional near the kitchen and bedrooms. That also goes for CO alarms.

15. Take large, outdoor deep fryer precautions

• Use them outside, never in the garage or on a deck.

• Dry your turkey completely before lowering the bird into the hot oil to avoid spattering.

Travel Safety

16. Avoid peak travel times

If possible, travel late morning or early afternoon.

17. Pack emergency supplies just in case

Water, blankets, chargers, medications, snacks. Also maybe spare gasoline.

18. Don’t drive drowsy

Older Adult Safety

19. Watch slippery floors, loose rugs, and a dangerous visitor bathrooms

Spills happen quickly during meal prep.

20. Ensure good lighting

There you have it. Your 20 point holiday safety blueprint.

#holidays #thanksgiving #safety #health