Thanksgiving Kitchen Safety Tips

Thanksgiving is a time where the whole family comes together. The kitchen is the heart of the home where several generations of family enjoy helping in the holiday preparations. This makes kitchen safety even more important because there is a lot of activity of people at home. Follow these tips to keep you and your family safe this season:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check back on it frequently.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam of splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee can cause serious burns.
• Keep the floor clear so you don't trip over kids, toy, pocketbooks or bags.
• Keep knives 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.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children - up high in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.
• Make sure smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
  
• Have activities that keep kids out of the kitchen doing this busy time. Games, puzzles or book can keep them busy. Kids can get involved in Thanksgiving preparations with recipes that can be done outside the kitchen.
  
  

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