Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Stay Safe this Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is a time for food, family, and gratitude—but also a time when accidents can increase. Here are some simple tips to keep you safe so you can fully enjoy the holiday.

Be Fire Safe In the Kitchen

Keep your kitchen safe as you prepare your Thanksgiving feast.

Smoke alarms save lives. Test yours before Thanksgiving to make sure they still work.
Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and make sure family members know how to use it.
Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when frying and grilling.

Fryer Safety: Avoid Getting Fried

Turkey Fryers can be hazardous. Here’s how to reduce your risks.

Consider Alternatives: The NFPA discourages gas turkey fryers due to safety risks.
Stay Clear: Keep fryers outside, at least 10 feet away from buildings and trees.
Fill Carefully: Add cold oil with the turkey in place to avoid spillovers.
Shut off the fuel source or flame when adding the turkey to the hot oil to prevent a dangerous flare-up if oil does spill over the rim.
Make sure your turkey is properly thawed before lowering it into the pot to prevent a spillover effect.
Keep Watch: Most fryers lack thermostat controls. Monitor the fryer continuously to prevent overheating.

Smart Cooking Tips

Keep the sizzle in the pan, not on your sleeves!

Wear Safe Attire: Choose short or tightly rolled sleeves to avoid accidental ignition.
Use a Timer: Set reminders to avoid forgetting your food on the stove or in the oven.
Create Safe Zones: Keep kids and pets away from cooking areas.
Clear the Stovetop: Keep flammable items like paper, towels, and packaging away from the stove.
After your Thanksgiving guests leave, ensure that all candles and smoking materials are extinguished before going to sleep.

Travel Safe

Heading out? Drive smart so you arrive ready to celebrate! The National Safety Council estimates nearly 418 traffic fatalities and 44,700 injuries over Thanksgiving weekend.

Buckle Up: Seat belts save lives—always buckle up and make sure everyone in the car does, too.
Plan for a designated driver: If your celebration includes alcohol, arrange a safe ride home.
Take breaks on long drives: Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Stop every couple of hours to stretch and stay alert.
Check your essentials: If you have important medications or valuables, be sure to pack them in your luggage.

Pet Safety

Keep your furry family safe this holiday season.

Cooked Only: If you are going to share, be sure to give your pets only fully cooked, boneless turkey.
Avoid Dough: Raw dough can cause dangerous bloating in our furry friends.
Holiday Plants: Keep poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, amaryllis, and lilies out of reach, as they can be toxic

Ladder & Electrical Safety for the Holiday Season

Deck the Halls—without a fall! Keep holiday decorating safe and festive.

Keep Lights Unplugged when setting them up to avoid electrical hazards.
Keep Out of Reach: Keep small bulbs and fuses away from young children as they can pose a serious choking hazard.
Limit Connections: Plug in no more than three light strands per extension cord.
Use Stable Ladders: Always use an approved ladder or step stool for decorating and avoid outdoor setup during foul weather.

Wishing you a safe and festive holiday from CP Lab Safety!