Even though 2020 has been a year full of surprises with the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, you and your loved ones can enjoy a fun and safe Thanksgiving holiday. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. So whether its deep frying a turkey, or baking up decadent desserts; remember to use these safety tips from the NFPA and our trusted insurance carriers to keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday.
Always keep an eye on the food. Whether you choose to step out to grab something from the store or in another room, there should always be a pair of trusted eyes on the food; especially when there are several dishes cooking on the stovetop and in the oven.
Keep children safe. Children should remain 3 feet away from a hot stove. Also, keep any hot food and liquids away from young children. Steam or splashes from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns. QUICK TIP: Have some fun activities to keep children busy outdoors or have some fun coloring pages, puzzles, or holiday crafts for children to keep them away from kitchen.
Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button. If alarms aren't working be sure to replace the batteries or buy a new one.
Fire extinguisher safety. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and make sure to review procedures on how to use one in case of an emergency.
Clear the floor. Sometimes toys, bags, jackets, and shoes can get tossed around and into the kitchen. Be sure to keep the floor clear to prevent trip hazards, slips and falls.
Thaw the turkey. If the star of your Thanksgiving dinner is a turkey be sure to have it fully thawed before cooking. If thawing in a refrigerator, allow 24 hours for each 4-5 pounds. (A 12-16 pound bird can take up to 3-4 days to completely thaw) Set your oven temperature correctly and use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey is fully cooked. Learn more about how to cook a turkey here.
Thank you to all our trusted clients and insurance carriers. We are incredibly grateful for your loyalty to us and honored to help you and your loved ones with all your insurance needs. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday from Paroubek Insurance!