It’s once again that time of year where we gather all of our friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving and eat lots of turkey. It’s important to make sure everyone has fun, but it is just as important to make sure that everyone stays safe. We’ve put together a few items that we like to call “Turkey Tips” to help you make sure you have a fun and safe Thanksgiving holiday:
- Germ – Free Defrosting – germs can grow quickly on chicken, fish, turkey and other meats. Even if you leave your turkey at room temperature it’s important to make sure it’s sealed or covered. To help slow down the rate that germs grow at you can place your turkey in a bowl of cold water or under a running cold faucet.
- Keep a thermometer handy – Always use a thermometer when checking to see if your turkey is done. Turkey should be cooked to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, if you have stuffing inside your turkey that should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a thermometer handy you can use this little trick – when you move the leg it should move easily and all juice should run clear when the meat is cut.
- Deep-Fry Outside – It goes without saying, if you’re going to deep-fry a turkey it’s going to be messy and there are some hazards that come with it. You should always deep-fry your turkey outside on a flat non-flammable surface. The garage does not count as “outside”. Make sure you have a heavy-duty cooking thermometer as well as a tool that will help you lower and remove the turkey safely.
- Use Oven Mitts – Whenever you are checking your turkey and opening and closing the oven be sure your hands are protected with oven mitts.
- The Kitchen is an Adults Only Area – Never let children open the oven or pull the turkey out. The risk of burns, oil spills, or grease fires is high enough, it sky rockets when children are involved.
- Remember to keep your fire extinguisher handy! If you don’t have one visit your local hardware store and pick one up.
Have a fun and safe Thanksgiving holiday!
