A Safe, Smooth Celebration: 7 Thanksgiving Safety Tips for the Season

As Thanksgiving approaches, our to-do lists seem endless — cleaning, decorating, cooking, shopping, hosting. In the rush to make the holiday perfect, it’s easy to overlook the small safety habits that make all the difference.

Before the cooking starts and guests arrive, take a moment to pause and prepare. These seven Thanksgiving safety tips can help keep your celebration warm, safe, and memorable — for all the right reasons.

Prepare Now, Enjoy Later

1. Stay in the Kitchen

Turkeys take their time, and so do the side dishes. But even a short trip away from the stove can be enough for smoke or fire to start. Unattended cooking remains one of the leading causes of holiday house fires.
If you need to step out, hand off kitchen duty to someone else — or simply wait until the oven timer rings before you go.

2. Watch Those Glass Dishes

Many of us dust off our favorite glass casserole dishes just once or twice a year. But not all glassware is made to handle extreme temperatures. Avoid placing glass lids or containers on stovetops or near open flames. Sudden heat can cause them to shatter — creating not only a mess but a serious burn risk.

3. Know How to Handle a Grease Fire

With the popularity of deep-fried turkeys (and all those bubbling pans), grease fires are more common than you’d think. The instinct to throw water on a fire is dangerous here — it will only make it worse.
Instead, turn off the heat, cover the flames with a metal lid if possible, and reach for a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires (Class K). If the fire grows beyond control, evacuate immediately and call 911.

4. Practice Safe Food Handling

From thawing to carving, proper food handling is one of the most important Thanksgiving safety tips for preventing foodborne illness:

  • Never wash your turkey in the sink — this spreads bacteria to nearby surfaces.
  • Cook poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F, checking the thickest part of the bird.
  • Store leftovers within two hours of serving to prevent bacterial growth.

The USDA reminds us: wash your hands, not your turkey.

The USDA reminds us: wash your hands, not your turkey.

5. Refresh Your Choking Response

Laughter, conversation, and big bites — all part of the Thanksgiving experience. But they can also increase the risk of choking incidents. Before the meal, take a moment to identify who knows basic first aid or CPR.
If you’re hosting, familiarize yourself with the Heimlich Maneuver, and make sure someone is ready to call 911 in an emergency.

6. Walk the Room

Large gatherings mean lots of movement — and plenty of opportunity for hazards to go unnoticed. Periodically check that:

  • Knives and hot dishes are out of children’s reach
  • Candles and fireplaces are extinguished
  • Extension cords and floor clutter aren’t creating trip hazards

A few mindful walk-throughs can prevent most holiday mishaps.

A few mindful walk-throughs can prevent most holiday mishaps.

7. Plan a Safe Ride Home

Thanksgiving is a time to raise a glass in gratitude — but never behind the wheel. Talk with your guests early in the evening about designated drivers or rideshare options. A quick conversation can save lives and ensure everyone arrives home safely.

Have a Thanksgiving to Remember

Gratitude and safety go hand in hand. When you apply these Thanksgiving safety tips with care, you reinforce the comfort and reliability your home provides for the people you’re welcoming in. A little extra preparation safeguards the rhythm of the day, helping you avoid preventable disruptions while protecting the traditions and memories that make the holiday special. With the right mindset, you can celebrate with confidence, warmth, and peace of mind.

From all of us at Cardinal Compliance Consultants, we wish you a safe, happy, and memorable Thanksgiving.



from Cardinal Compliance Consultants https://cardinalhs.net/blog/7-thanksgiving-safety-tips/
via Cardinal Compliance Consultants

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