A Burn-Free Thanksgiving

11/20/2024

Essential Tips to Prevent Burns in the Kitchen

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and professional and nonprofessional chefs everywhere are preparing their menus for the big day! Whether you prefer pumpkin pie or pecan pie, regular potatoes or sweet potatoes, there is something that should be on everyone’s menu–cooking safety.

Here are a few tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

• Never leave pots and pans unattended
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby
• Turn pot handles to the back of the stove
• Keep flammable items away from the stove
• Keep lids or baking sheets handy to cover pans if they catch fire

In addition to side dishes and desserts, there is always the big question of how to cook the turkey. Bake or fry? For safety reasons, it is recommended to bake, use an electric fryer, or use an air fryer. For those who still prefer an oil fryer, here are a few safety tips:

• Make sure the fryer is on a sturdy, level surface and do not move one in use
• Make sure it the fryer is at least 10 feet from the house and is not under roof eaves
• Avoid overfilling the fryer by using water to measure how much oil you will need first
• Make sure your turkey is fully thawed without frost before frying
• Use a thermometer to make sure the oil doesn’t overheat

Remember to always use protective gloves or oven mitts when cooking. And in case of a medical emergency, call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room.

To view wait times and get directions, visit https://www.merithealthbiloxi.com/hospitals.

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