Practice giving thanks the safe way

  • Published
  • By By: Senior Airman Adarius Petty
  • 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nevada --  Thanksgiving is the time of year when families come together to enjoy a tremendous feast, usually consisting of potatoes, corn, stuffing, gravy, biscuits, and lots of turkey. 
With that in mind, it's important to keep safety a priority. Thanksgiving is the peak day of the year for home cooking fires. In order to avoid a house fire during the holiday season below are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association.

Food Prep Safety

- Thaw meat in the fridge to help avoid spoilage.

- Cook food thoroughly - As you are cooking check it with a food thermometer to
ensure it reaches appropriate temperature.

- Avoid cross contamination; this can happen during re-use of utensils and cutting boards used for raw meat.

Deep Fryer Safety

- Deep frying a turkey must be done outside. Select a safe, flat outdoor location that is well-lit, well-ventilated and away from trees, shrubbery and buildings.

- Never attempt to fry a frozen turkey. Wear protective gloves and a jacket to protect yourself while cooking.
Travel Planning

- Arrive early and expect potential delays at the airport. Remain vigilant for any suspicious activity.

- Ensure you are prepared for the weather.

- Do not drive tired, stop to sleep if you feel fatigued.

General Safety

- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop and keep an eye on the food at all times watch children while cooking on the stove. It is good practice to keep children three feet away to prevent burns.

- Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.

- Keep sharp utensils out of the reach of children.

- Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.

- Make sure smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button. This should be done every month.

For more information on fire safety, please visit www.nfpa.org.