Keep the Holiday Happy: Thanksgiving Safety Tips You’ll Actually Use
24Nov
This guide offers simple, practical reminders to help you avoid common holiday mishaps. It walks you through safer cooking habits, smart food prep, and ways to make your home and travel plans safer. You’ll also find quick tips to keep guests, kids, and pets protected so your holiday stays calm and enjoyable.
🍽️ Kitchen & Cooking Safety 🍳
- Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food. Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of holiday fires.
- Keep flammables away from the stovetop—oven mitts, dish towels, boxes, and plastic utensils.
- Use a timer for dishes that take a long time so you don’t forget about them.
- Watch kids and pets—keep a 3-foot safety zone around the stove, oven, and hot dishes.
🦃 Turkey Fryer Safety🔥
- Only use turkey fryers outdoors on a flat, non-wood surface (never in a garage or on a deck).
- Make sure the turkey is fully thawed and dry. Water causes dangerous oil flare-ups.
Wear protective gloves and keep a fire extinguisher nearby (Class K is best for grease).
🧼 Food Safety & Preparation🍗
- Thaw the turkey safely: In the fridge (not the counter), allowing about 24 hours per 4–5 pounds.
- Prevent cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw poultry.
- Cook to safe temps: Turkey must reach 165°F in the thickest part (use a food thermometer).
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours to prevent bacteria growth.
🚗 Travel & Hosting Safety ✈️
- Plan travel early, avoid peak hours, and check weather for road conditions.
- Keep walkways clear of snow, leaves, or clutter to prevent slips for arriving guests.
- Have a sober driver if alcohol is involved.
🏠 Home & Fire Safety🕯️
- Keep candles away from decorations and never leave them unattended.
- Test smoke alarms the day before—you’ll have extra cooking and extra guests.
- Use extension cords safely and don’t overload outlets (holiday décor can push limits).
🧒 Kids & Pet Safety 🐶
- Keep hot foods on the back burners and handles turned inward.
- Watch for choking hazards like nuts, grapes, and small toy parts.
- Secure trash with bones, string, and packaging that pets may ingest.
James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.
Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association