Thanksgiving is approaching, and as we eagerly anticipate the joy of delicious food and heartwarming gatherings, it's important to keep safety in mind. At ViaSun, safety is our utmost priority, not just in the workplace, but also in our daily lives. You too can contribute to a safe and seamless holiday season by following these safety tips!
Food Safety: Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator, not on the countertop, to avoid the growth of bad bacteria and lead to the thing that must not be named (food poisoning!).
Use a meat thermometer to make sure the turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Not that there will be leftovers, but any extra food should be refrigerated within two hours of serving.
If you forget to thaw your turkey, you can still cook it in the oven! But it is NOT safe to smoke, grill, deep fat fry or microwave a frozen turkey. For more turkey cooking safety, read this article from the CDC.
Pet Safety: Depending on what kind of pet you have, some foods may cause indigestion when consumed, especially those that fall on the ground when cooking.
A general best practice is to usher pets and small children out of the kitchen while cooking.
Avoid giving bones, onions and other toxic human foods to pets. Puppy dog eyes may be tempting, but most bones are not recommended to be given to dogs or cats (unless bought at a pet store) as they may cause internal damage. You can find a list of Thanksgiving foods to keep away from pets here.
Fire Safety: Thanksgiving cooking stirs up a storm and with so much going on, can pose a fire/safety risk. Buy a fire extinguisher and communicate its location to all attendees. Hopefully you won’t have a fiery situation on your hands, but if you do, you’re prepared.
Hosts should also check fire alarms and carbon dioxide detectors.
Designated driver: Making sure everyone who is consuming alcohol has a designated driver, alternative modes of transportation or will not be behind the wheel! Plan ahead by asking your guests to secure a ride or encourage the use of Uber/Lyft.
Holiday Travel: Traveling during the holidays can be a necessary evil. Don’t forget to do car maintenance before traveling.
Due to the change in weather, most vehicles are at risk for lower tire pressure. Most shops will check and fill tires for free!
Ensure that your antifreeze is in good condition to prevent freezing and potential engine damage.
Maintain proper coolant levels to prevent overheating, especially during long drives.
Check your oil levels and have an oil change if necessary to keep your engine running smoothly.
Thanksgiving offers a perfect opportunity to embrace safety as an integral part of our celebrations, just as we do at ViaSun. By adhering to these safety tips, we not only safeguard our loved ones, pets, and homes but also ensure that our Thanksgiving memories are filled with laughter, joy, and the blessings of a safe and memorable holiday season.