JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and delicious meals, but it’s also the peak day for home cooking fires, according to the Air Force Safety Center. To ensure your holiday is safe, the center has shared essential food preparation and fire safety tips.
Before Cooking the Turkey
- Read Labels Carefully: If you’re serving a fresh turkey, purchase it no more than two days before Thanksgiving. Check labels to determine if it’s fresh or frozen.
- Use Thermometers: Store your turkey at 40 °F or below with a refrigerator thermometer. Use a food thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked to 165 °F.
- Thaw Safely: Allow 24 hours in the refrigerator for every 4 to 5 pounds of frozen turkey. Keep it in a container to prevent juices from dripping on other foods.
While Cooking the Turkey
- Wash Hands Thoroughly: Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before handling food.
- Don’t Wash the Turkey: Washing spreads harmful pathogens. Fully cooking the turkey is the only way to kill bacteria.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Keep raw turkey away from other foods. Use separate utensils and clean them thoroughly after use.
- Cook to the Right Temperature: Confirm the turkey reaches 165 °F with a food thermometer, checking the thickest part of the breast, the innermost thigh, and the innermost wing.
Fire Safety in the Kitchen
- Have a Fire Extinguisher: Keep an extinguisher in the kitchen and ensure your family knows how to use it.
- Be Cautious with Turkey Fryers: Fryers can pose fire and burn hazards. Follow manufacturer instructions and keep fryers outside, away from flammable materials.
- Dress Safely: Avoid loose clothing while cooking. Opt for short, close-fitting, or tightly rolled sleeves to reduce the risk of catching fire.
- Smoke Alarms: Ensure smoke alarms are installed on every home level. Test them monthly and replace units older than 10 years.
- Stay Vigilant: Never leave cooking food unattended and keep flammable items like food packaging and oven mitts away from burners and heat sources.
- Kid-Free Zone: Create a three-foot safety zone around the stove and hot food preparation areas.
- Smother Small Fires: Keep a lid nearby to extinguish grease fires by covering the pan and turning off the heat.
By following these precautions, families can reduce the risk of accidents while enjoying a festive and safe holiday. For more safety information, visit the Air Force Safety Center website. AFSEC Home