Common Thanksgiving Day Emergencies You Can Avoid
Food Safety Sense
- Thaw turkeys in the refrigerator, the microwave, or a bath of cold water that gets changed every 30 minutes.
- Thoroughly clean any surface that comes in contact with raw poultry with hot, soapy water.
- Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165ºF in an oven no lower than 325ºF.
- Preparing stuffing in a casserole dish is safer than stuffing it inside the bird.
Food poisoning isn’t the only risk at the dinner table.
- Ask about ingredients if you have food allergies or sensitivities and didn’t prepare the food yourself.
- Imbibe intelligently, especially if you need to drive after the meal.
- Pace yourself. Overeating can lead to drowsiness—a problem if you need to drive. Heavy meals can trigger a gallstone attack and may even increase the risk of having a heart attack for people with heart problems.
Prevent a Home Fire From Burning
- Don’t leave pots unattended.
- Keep burners and cooktops clear of towels, food packaging, or any other materials that could catch fire.
- Make sure appliance and extension cords aren’t frayed or damaged.
- Don’t overload outlets or power strips.
- Be careful with turkey fryers. Never deep fry a frozen turkey, and make sure someone is watching the fryer at all times.
Body Guards
Slice your bird, not your hand. Make sure to:
- Sharpen knives before carving.
- Keep knives and cutting surfaces dry to minimize slipping.
- Cut away from yourself.
- Keep your free hand on the opposite side of the bird you are carving (not under a slice of meat).
If you plan on taking part in a Thanksgiving Day athletic event, such as a 5K or family game, warm up and cool down with proper stretching.
The Emergency Center has convenient locations in Arlington, Fort Worth, and San Antonio; in case you or your out-of-town guests have an emergency this Thanksgiving.
Sources: businessinsider.com, emergencycareforyou.org, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, cdc.gov, usfa.fema.gov, nfpa.org, onsafety.cpsc.gov, assh.org, health.clevelandclinic.org, familydoctor.org