For many, Thanksgiving is a time to feast with family and friends, enjoy time off school and work, and express gratitude for everything they have. Unfortunately, accidents and incidents ruin Thanksgiving for thousands of families every year. Here’s how to make your home safe as you gather with loved ones for the holidays.

Kitchen Safety Tips

  • Never leave children unattended in the kitchen while food is cooking.
  • Turn pot handles inward so they are out of reach of children.
  • Store sharp utensils up high.
  • Teach children to stay away from hot ovens and stoves.
  • Set dishes in the center of the counter rather than near the edges to discourage children and pets from pulling them down.
  • Make the kitchen a child- and pet-free zone. Ask a family member or visiting relative to watch over the youngsters in another room. Consider setting up a baby gate, if possible, to keep kids and pets out of the kitchen.
  • Don’t consume alcohol while cooking.
  • Keep potholders, paper towels, and other flammable objects away from hot cooking surfaces.
  • Have a class B fire extinguisher on hand in case a grease fire breaks out.
  • Turn off the burners once they are no longer in use.

Food Safety Tips

  • Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator before cooking. Give the bird 24 hours of thawing time for every 5 pounds of weight. For instance, a 15-pound turkey needs three full days to thaw.
  • Cook your turkey until the inserted thermometer reaches at least 165 degrees.
  • Consider baking stuffing in a separate casserole dish rather than stuffed inside the bird.
  • Carve the turkey before serving to keep sharp knives off the dining table where children could reach them.
  • Teach your kids to blow on their food and test whether it’s hot before putting it in their mouths.
  • Be sensitive about any food allergies your guests may have.

Home Safety Tips

  • Keep children away from lit fireplaces, whether gas or wood-burning.
  • Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms before Thanksgiving Day.
  • Use flameless LED candles to avoid the risk of house fires and burns that come with lighting real candles.
  • Keep medications, matches, firearms, and other dangerous items locked away where children can’t find them.
  • Secure bookcases, dressers, and other heavy furniture to the wall to prevent rambunctious kids from toppling them over.
  • Immediately replace any electronics or appliances that show signs of damage, including fraying cords or sparks when you plug them in.
  • Cover outlets with safety caps and store unused extension cords.

At DKI, we are advocates of safety and emergency preparedness. If a fire, flood, or other disaster ever strikes your home, turn to us for help recovering. We are proud to be North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, with over 500 locations from coast to coast. To learn more about our services, please contact us online or call 844-354-2255 today.