Gastronomy is at the center of any legitimate holiday celebration. Spreading good cheer through cookie baking, family dinners and cooking a traditional holiday recipe spreads appetizing joy. With all the chopping, basting, shredding and whipping, hazards can present themselves in the kitchen.
“Food and kitchen safety is probably not a priority on most minds during the holidays. However, reviewing simple safety tips will keep you cognizance of potential dangers throughout the holiday season and hopefully prevent an unforeseen incident from occurring and ruining any merriment, said Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance.
In the Kitchen
A prevalent threat while cooking is a kitchen fire. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), reports Thanksgiving Day cooking fires average 1,300, three times the average daily rate of 400 per day. This holiday season they urge cooks in the kitchen to, “stand by your pan.” If you are frying grilling or boiling food, stay in the kitchen. Also, keep anything that could melt or catch fire away from burners.
Spills, cuts and burns can also cause injuries. The Burn Foundation reports over 500,000 scald burns occur annually. To prevent spills and burns be sure to turn handles inward, toward the back of the stove. Make the area in front of the stove a “no zone” for kids. Be sure to keep a clear path where hot liquids are traveling.
When cutting, always cut on a stable surface and never cut food in your hand. If a knife falls from your hand or the counter, do not attempt to catch it, step back and let it fall on the floor.
Frying a Turkey
The enticement of fired turkey is an irresistible culinary delight, but if not prepared carefully it can turn into a calamity. According to a 2012 report from State Farm, Florida is the 5th highest state with the annual number of claims due to turkey fryer related incidents. Turkey fryers can cause fires, burns, explosions, smoke inhalations or lacerations. Keep the following safety tips in mind as you prepare to fire up the fryer this holiday season.
Keep the fryer at least 10 feet away from your home and never cook in the garage or on a wood deck.
Place the fryer on a level surface
Keep children and pets a safe distance from the fryer
Monitor the temperature and use caution when touching the fryer, the lid and handles can be very hot.
Do not use too much oil and over fill the fryer
Make sure the turkey is properly thawed, extra water can cause oil to bubble fiercely and spill over.
Keep a fire extinguisher accessible
Food Safety
Make a plan for food space, that way your hot foods can stay hot and your cold food can maintain their cool temperature.
Use a food thermometer for your turkey and cook it to at least 165 degrees.
Properly thaw your turkey. WebMD recommends allocating 24 hours per 5 pounds to defrost in the refridgerator.
Make sure to wash all produce.
“This Thanksgiving I want to express my thanks to our stellar independent agents and their staff for all their hard work to make GreatFlorida Insurance a success. A big thanks to all of our customers, it is our honor and pleasure to serve you and your families,” says Buck.
GreatFlorida Insurance offers competitive prices on Florida homeowners insurance, renter’s insurance and health insurance. We work with reputable companies across the U.S. to find the right policy for you.
