Thanksgiving safety: keeping the Holiday happy and hazard-free

Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, football, and the aroma of roasted turkey filling the home. But behind the celebration lies one of the busiest days of the year for fire departments and emergency responders. From kitchen mishaps to travel hazards, a few simple precautions can keep the holiday safe, so memories are made for the right reasons.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, more home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year. With multiple dishes cooking at once and distractions in every room, it is easy for a small mishap to turn serious. Staying in the kitchen while food is on the stovetop, keeping children at least three feet from hot surfaces and sharp utensils, turning pot handles inward to prevent accidental spills, and keeping towels, packaging, and other flammable objects away from open burners can greatly reduce the risk. It is also important to have a working fire extinguisher nearby and to understand how to use it properly. In the event of a grease fire, avoid using water; instead, turn off the heat and cover the flames with a lid.

Turkey fryers continue to be responsible for thousands of fires, burns, and property losses each year. To use them safely, fry only outdoors on a flat, non-combustible surface and ensure the turkey is completely thawed and thoroughly dried before lowering it into hot oil. Children and pets should be kept well away from the fryer, and the device should never be left unattended. Fire officials still advise against open-flame turkey fryers for residential use and recommend oil-less infrared models as a safer alternative.Improper handling of Thanksgiving favorites can lead to foodborne illness. Hands should be washed frequently when preparing raw poultry. Turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of serving and reheated thoroughly before consumption. Cross-contamination must be avoided by keeping raw meats separate from ready-to-eat dishes.

Cool late-November temperatures often prompt the use of space heaters and fireplaces. To avoid accidents, flammable objects should be kept at least three feet from any heat source, and ovens should never be used to heat a home. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be checked before the holiday to ensure they are working properly, as house guests and additional cooking can increase risk.

Millions travel during Thanksgiving weekend, creating heavy congestion on roadways. Extra time should be built into travel plans, and drivers should avoid getting behind the wheel while fatigued. Seatbelts should be worn at all times, and children must be secured in appropriate restraints. Alcohol should never be combined with operating a vehicle; arranging a sober ride is essential. Wildlife activity increases this time of year, especially around dawn and dusk, and early winter weather can create slick conditions.

Holiday gatherings can be overwhelming for pets, and certain foods are dangerous to them. Items such as chocolate, onions, grapes, alcohol, and seasoned turkey skin should be kept out of reach. Guests should be discouraged from feeding pets table scraps, and anxious animals should be given a quiet room to rest. Veterinarians commonly see an increase in digestive emergencies during the holiday season.

When the celebration winds down, candles should be extinguished before bedtime, leftovers should be stored safely and promptly, and turkey grease should be disposed of in a sealed container rather than down the drain, where it can harden and cause plumbing damage.

With thoughtful preparation and awareness, families can enjoy a warm and joyful Thanksgiving. Prioritizing safety in the kitchen, on the road, and throughout the home ensures the holiday remains focused on what matters most—togetherness, gratitude, and the beginning of the festive season.