Happy Thanksgiving

LIFETIME OF SAFETY: BE THANKFUL FOR A SAFE THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving dinner is one of the most anticipated meals of the whole year. For many of us, this means friends and family of all ages descending on our homes for food and fun. As you plan for the day, however, don’t stop at determining the menu. With a little thought, planning and preparation, you can ensure that you and your guests have a truly happy and safe Thanksgiving.

This year, before you mash the potatoes or roast the turkey, read these electrical safety tips to ensure safety and prevent accidents in your kitchen:

• Look for the UL mark on appliances. If you need to purchase new electrical appliances such as slow cookers, deep fryers, food processors, plate warmers or electric knives, make sure to look for the UL mark on the appliances. The UL mark is used by manufacturers to indicate that the appliance meets specific safety standards and is a trusted safety symbol among consumers and manufacturers.
• Avoid using a turkey fryer. We know that deep frying a turkey has become a popular way to cook that Thanksgiving bird, but if you can, opt for the traditional oven roasting. Turkey fryers pose a number of distinct safety concerns, including burn and fire hazards, and UL does not certify any turkey fryers.
• Unplug all appliances that aren’t in use. Not only will you save energy, but you will also avoid the potential dangers if they were to be turned on accidentally. Free up counter space in your work area by storing unused appliances.
• Keep electric cords out of reach. When using electrical appliances in your kitchen, be sure that the cords are out of reach of children. This will prevent children from pulling on the cords or having an accident in the kitchen. Keeping your cords organized will also prevent tripping hazards in a busy kitchen.
• Replace frayed electrical cords. Contact with frayed electrical cords can cause electric shock and serious injury to a person. Avoid this potential danger by replacing all frayed electrical cords in your kitchen.

Electrical appliances aren’t the only things that can cause hazards in your kitchen. Here are some more kitchen safety tips for you to remember on Thanksgiving:

• Keep the kitchen free of clutter. Avoid trying to cook too many dishes at one time on your range. This can cause grease from some dishes to spill onto the stove and cause a grease fire. Keep food packaging, towels, napkins, pot holders and other flammable items away from the stove top.
• Dress appropriately. Avoid wearing any loose clothing or dangling sleeves that could catch fire while cooking.
• Do not leave the kitchen unattended. Fires often start when food is left cooking unattended, so make sure to keep a close eye on all your foods that are roasting, boiling, baking or frying.
• Do not place glass dishes or lids near a burner or on a hot surface. Heat can cause these items to explode, sending glass shards flying through the air and causing injury.
• Keep the floors clear. Make sure you avoid any tripping hazards in the kitchen. That includes pets, bags, children and toys.