Happy Thanksgiving! Below are some tips to keep in mind as you and your family prepare for the holiday feast.

Turkey Safety

• A fresh turkey should be refrigerated and cooked within two days of purchase.
• Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator and allow 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs.
• When thawing turkey in cold water, submerge the turkey (wrapped in leak-proof
  packaging) in very cold water (every 1 lb. needs 30-minutes to thaw). The water should be changed every 30-minutes.
• Cook immediately after thawing.
• Consider cooking the stuffing separately to reduce the risk of bacterial growth in the
  body cavity of the turkey.
• Use a thermometer on the innermost part of the thigh and wing, as well as the thickest portion of the breast, to ensure that the turkey is well cooked.
• Wait 20-minutes to carve giving the juices time to settle.
• Keep clean! Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling food. Keep all surfaces and utensils clean.

Cooking Safely

• Start with a clean cooking surface.
• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Turn pot handles in so they don’t extend over the edge of the stove.
• Don’t wear clothing with loose sleeves that can catch on fire.
• Be sure to keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and know how to use it.
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling off the counter.
• Double-check the kitchen before you leave making sure appliances are turned off.
• Have activities for the kids to keep them out of the kitchen while cooking.

Responding to a Cooking Fire

• Never douse a grease fire with water.
• Turn off the burner, smother the flames with a lid (wearing an oven mitt).
• Douse the fire with baking soda.
• Only attempt to extinguish a fire in its early stages, when it’s small.
• Once the fire is extinguished, turn the heat off and let the pot cool.
• Always have an escape route.
• Evacuate if you cannot control the fire.

Safety always. Home, work, and play.
HAVE A SAFE THANKSGIVING!