Stay Safe This Holiday Season: Turkey Fryer Dangers and Food Safety Tips

Turkey Fryers

Be alert to the dangers if you’re thinking of celebrating the holidays by frying a turkey. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports there have been hundreds turkey-fryer related fires, burns or other injuries, and millions of dollars in property loss from these incidents.

NSC discourages the use of turkey fryers at home and urges those who prefer fried turkey to seek out professional establishments or consider using an oil-less turkey fryer. If you must fry your own turkey, follow all U.S. Fire Administration turkey fryer guidelines.

Food Poisoning Is No Joke

Keep your holidays happy by handling food safely. The foodsafety.gov website from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides some valuable holiday food safety tips:

  • Wash your hands frequently when handling food
    ● Keep raw meat away from fresh produce
    ● Use separate cutting boards, plates and utensils for uncooked and cooked meats to avoid cross-contamination
    ● Use a food thermometer to make sure meat is cooked to a safe temperature
    ● Refrigerate hot or cold leftover food within two hours of being served
    ● When storing turkey, cut the leftovers in small pieces so they will chill quickly
    ● Thanksgiving leftovers are safe for three to four days when properly refrigerated

Watch this holiday food safety video for more information.

Lightning Safety Tips and Resources

http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov has changed to a more secure link: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning. Please bookmark the new link.

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Although most lightning occurs in the summer, people can be struck at any time of year. Lightning kills about 20 people in the United States each year, and hundreds more are severely injured. This website will teach you how to stay safe and offer insight into the science of lightning. You’ll find animated books about lightning, safety tips for all kinds of situations, games for kids and resources for teachers. You’ll learn about lightning victims and survivors. Explore our site, and come and visit often! En Espanol

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