It’s the most wonderful time of the year, according to a classic holiday song. It’s a time for family and friends to gather in joy and gratitude, and a time for simple pleasures. However, it’s also a time to keep your wits about you to keep your home and your loved ones safe. Here are some tips for enjoying a safe and memorable holiday season.
Perhaps you’ve seen old Uncle Bert taking nips from that little flask he keeps in his jacket pocket. Let’s make sure Bert is the only thing getting fried! Beware of that turkey fryer.
The Consumer Products Safety Commission reports 168 turkey fryer accidents since 2002, including explosions, serious burns, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning. The best way to fry your turkey? Just don’t! All right, we can’t convince you. At least, follow these turkey fryer safety tips:
- Never fry your turkey indoors. Set it up outside, at least 10 feet from the house
- Make sure your fryer is set up on flat, level ground, and not near dry grass, leaves, or other flammable materials
- Keep children away from the fryer at all times
- Never leave the hot fryer unattended
- Wear oven gloves or mitts to touch the fryer lid or handle, because the surface can be hot enough to cause severe burns
- ALWAYS fully thaw and fully dry your turkey before putting it into the fryer; a frozen or moist turkey causes a dangerous eruption of bubbles, which may cause boiling oil to spill over the top and sides of the fryer, igniting nearby surfaces
- Keep a fire extinguisher rated for oil fires handy when frying turkey
Just in case you think we’re exaggerating the risks of turkey fryers, please watch this video of a demonstration by the Brooklyn Park Fire Department.
Light my fire!
What could be more cozy than a warm fireplace and the glow of holiday candles? However, a houseful of open flames and combustible decorations are dangerous bedfellows.
If you decide to play with fire over the holidays, here’s a commonsense list to keep your home safe:
- Never leave burning candles unattended; extinguish all flames before you leave the room
- Keep burning candles out of children’s reach
- Make sure your candles are in proper holders on stable surfaces
- Never sleep in a room with a burning candle
- Do not put lit candles near trees, decorations, curtains, or other flammable material
- NEVER dispose of Christmas trees, wreaths, or shiny wrapping paper in your fireplace
- If you use your fireplace in winter, be sure to inspect and clean the chimney before the start of the cold season
Getting festive for the occasion
There’s nothing like brightly colored holiday lights to get you in the mood for holiday festivity. Be sure to keep in mind that dealing with electricity requires good common sense and caution. Here are some tips about decorating safely
- Real Christmas trees need to be kept watered so they don’t dry out and become a fire hazard
- Always use a step ladder when hanging lights inside or outside; NEVER stand on a chair or tabletop
- Inspect your lights very carefully for frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections that can become fire hazards
- If strings of lights are frayed, discard them and replace with new ones
- Poinsettias and mistletoe can be hazardous to health if ingested; be sure to keep them out of children’s reach
- Wear a mask when spraying artificial snow on windows to protect your lungs from irritating fumes
Don’t give the “gift” of food poisoning
Food is the cornerstone of holiday gatherings. Prepare food correctly, and everyone will enjoy a delicious meal and come back for more. Neglect basic food safety, and the result can be serious illness.
Here are some tips to keep food safe:
- Thaw food in the refrigerator, leaving enough time for it to fully defrost before cooking
- Rinsing raw meat or poultry before cooking only spreads bacteria around the kitchen; don’t do it!
- Wash your hands frequently when handling raw meat or poultry
- Use a food thermometer to cook meat and poultry to a safe temperature
- Don’t leave food sitting on the counter too long while after eating; get it into the fridge within two hours
- Leftovers have a shelf life of four days in the refrigerator
- Cut turkey into small pieces to chill faster
Keep it light and loving
Speaking of old Uncle Bert getting fried, what do you do when he launches into divisive political arguments during a peaceful holiday dinner? Our best advice is don’t get into a shouting match. Just tell Bert you love him, and steer the conversation into safer topics. Recall a story that everyone loves about the family, or ask one of your adorable nephews or nieces to tell you their favorite things about the holidays. Just keep it light and loving, and everyone will thank you for it, maybe even Uncle Bert.
Follow these tips for a safe and happy holiday season. Whatever way you choose to celebrate, your friends at Peter Young Home Inspections wish you the best holiday ever!
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