Thanksgiving Safety Tips

There’s so much happening on Thanksgiving, and it’s easy to feel like things are getting out of control quickly! We’ve all been there, but here are some tips for a safe and carefree Thanksgiving.

1. Find games, TV shows and movies to entertain the kids and set them up ahead of time.
   • Keeping the kids out of the kitchen lessens the chance of tripping, small fingers getting cuts from sharp tools, and little hands from getting burnt.
   • You’ll save yourself the headache of having to think of something on the spot to keep kids out from under-foot.
2. Dedicate one person (or group of people) to watch over the kids.
   • If you know who’s watching the kids, you won’t have to leave the kitchen to check on them yourself.
   • They can corral kids into dedicated areas and make sure they don’t run into the kitchen.
   • If an accident or incident does occur, they can handle it right away.
3. Cook what you can the night before.
   • You can cook your pies, peel potatoes, and any other food prep you can do ahead of time while the kids are asleep and out of the kitchen.
   • You can invite over friends and family the night before to help and to catch up with them before the chaos of Thanksgiving ensues.
   • Less time in the kitchen on Thanksgiving day means less stress for you!
4. Test your smoke alarms beforehand.
   • If you have a lot on your plate, you can always give this job to someone else in your family.
   • Make sure you also have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
5. Set the kids at a separate table with a family member or (members) who don’t mind eating with the kids.
   • These family members can cut up the kids’ food (as well as their own) ahead of time to keep knives off of the kids’ table.
   • You can “sell” this job to adults by letting them get their plates first if they join the kids’ table!
6. Plan ahead.
   • The more that you do ahead of time, the less stress you’ll have and the easier your day will be.
   • You’ve already started the process by reading our tips, so when you implement them in your plan, you’ll be able to tackle the day with ease!