Thanksgiving Tips and Tricks

If you are put in charge of cooking, then you know just how stressful Thanksgiving can be. Here’s a couple of tips to keep that stress level to a minimum and help you enjoy this Thanksgiving to the fullest.

• More cooking-related home fires occur on Thanksgiving than on any other day. Before you break out the cookbook, double check that your stove and oven have been cleaned. Built up grease can easily start a fire at the most inopportune time.
• Thanksgiving is the most popular holiday for travel in the country. With so many people out and about, the chance for accidents to happen are at an all-time high. Pay attention while driving, don’t text, and try to stay off the phone. 
• With guests coming into homes, the likeliness that an accident could occur is on more likely. Keep in mind you are responsible for any guests in your home for any period. Make guest aware of any slippery surfaces and that you’ve removed any hazardous situations. The last thing you want is a hospital stay for three days with Great Aunt Gertrude.
• Stereotypes with Turkey Fryers are stereotypes for a reason. Is fried turkey good? Yes! Is frying turkey dangerous? Double yes! Practice common sense when deep frying turkeys.  Keep kids and pets away; setup the burner and pot outside and well away from your home and other structures; keep water away from the pot to avoid splattering; use oven mitts/gloves; keep constant watch on the fryer, don’t leave it unattended.  Deep fried turkey is good; avoiding injury and the destruction of property is even better.
• Fire Extinguishers are our friend. Keep one on hand throughout the day. Minor damage is always better than major damage.
• Check your alarms It doesn’t hurt to check then double check to ensure that they are working properly. Replace any that may be outdated or that have stopped working.