‘Tis the season for feasting with our friends and families. Delicious food always takes center stage for the holidays, but safety should too. Whether you prefer a potluck-style soiree or are going to prepare all the fixings for a holiday feast all on your own, safety should always be a top priority. So how do you keep your dinner guests safe while playing host to a large party? Here is our comprehensive list of kitchen safety tips for the holidays.  

Kitchen Safety Tips For the Holidays

When you’re at the helm of a hectic kitchen, with hot pots and pans, open flames, and kids running around, it can be quite a distraction. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is prime time for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day. That’s why it is imperative that we stay extra vigilant this Thanksgiving with these easy-to-follow holiday fire safety tips. 

  • Be acutely aware of flammable items near the stove top. Aprons, cloth oven mitts and potholders, loose clothing, or napkins. All can catch on fire if not far removed from a busy stove. 
  • Never leave items unattended on the stovetop or in the oven. Make sure you turn any handles to skillets and large pots of boiling water inward so that any passersby or small children can’t accidentally knock them off of the stove. If you have something in the oven, check on it often. If you have to set a timer to remind yourself, that might be a good idea too.  
  • Clear the kitchen floor of hazards that could cause someone to trip and fall, including yourself. Shoes, unsecured rugs, animal toys, or any clutter for that matter. 
  • Everyone knows that the holiday season is a fun time to libate with the ones you love. But be sure not to over consume when cooking. That’s when accidents happen. If you feel a little woozy, have someone else take over the cooking duties for a bit. 
  • When it comes time to eat, take hot trays and any hot liquids and place them in the middle of the dining room table on a non-flammable mat. That way you don’t run the risk of catching anything on fire and it’s less likely to be knocked over. 

Food Poisoning Prevention Tips for the Holidays 

  • Cook Food Thoroughly – It goes without saying that all foods, especially meats, should be cooked thoroughly to prevent food poisoning. Keep a food thermometer handy to test any roasts or turkeys for optimal internal temperature. 
  • Separate Certain Foods – Keep raw poultry, meats, and seafood separate and far from your vegetables until the meats are cooked through or you are planning on cooking them together. Store raw animal products in the bottom of the refrigerator in a separate compartment. 
  • Keep Hot Food Hot & Cold Food Cold – Bacteria is a biggie during the holidays. After food has been prepared, make sure that you keep the hot food in a warmer and the cold dishes go back into the refrigerator until it’s time to eat. 
  • Baking With Eggs? – We all know that pies, cakes, and sweet treats are a favorite during the holidays. Experts recommend using only pasteurized eggs when making baked goods or sauces to cut down on the risk of salmonella. 

Contact Wilshire Refrigeration

Wilshire Refrigeration is factory certified to service Sub-Zero, Wolf, Cove, and other leading-brand appliances. Our team is trained in all the latest repair methods and equipment. For questions about your appliance and to schedule repairs, call us today at 800-427-3653.