Thanksgiving is a time to slow down, enjoy good food, and spend time with the people who matter most. It’s also a time when everyday risks can sneak up on us. At Excelsior, we talk a lot about being present and alert on the job. This holiday, we encourage you to take that same mindset home. A few simple habits can go a long way in keeping the day safe, calm, and enjoyable for everyone.
1. Create a Safe Kitchen Environment
The kitchen is where most of the Thanksgiving action happens, and it’s also where many holiday accidents begin. Between boiling pots, hot pans, sharp knives, and crowded workspaces, it’s easy for a simple distraction to turn into a burn or cut. Staying attentive while cooking, especially when multitasking, is one of the best ways to prevent fires and injuries. Keep towels and food packaging away from the stovetop, turn pot handles inward, and avoid walking away from appliances while they’re heating. If you’re frying a turkey, take it outdoors, keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and make sure the bird is fully thawed. Treat your kitchen like a small jobsite that is organized, focused, and clearly marked so kids, pets, and guests know to stay out of the hot zone.
2. Practice Smart Food Handling
Food safety is just as important as fire safety. Thawing turkey on the counter, cross-contamination on cutting boards, and undercooked poultry can all lead to illness that can quickly derail a family gathering. Take your time with meal prep, keep raw meat separate from everything else, and use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches 165°F. After dinner, don’t let dishes sit out for hours while everyone relaxes. Cooling leftovers and storing them in shallow containers helps prevent bacterial growth and ensures the meal can be safely enjoyed again later.
3. Stay Alert on the Roads and Around Alcohol
The Thanksgiving travel window is one of the busiest of the year, and the day before Thanksgiving has quietly become one of the biggest drinking nights nationwide. If you’re hitting the road, give yourself extra time, check that your vehicle is ready for the drive. Avoid driving while tired or distracted. If your plans include going out the night before, choose a designated driver in advance or use a rideshare if your evening changes. If you’re hosting, offer non-alcoholic options, keep food available, and make sure guests have a safe plan to get home. Thoughtful planning keeps everyone’s holiday moving safely in the right direction.
4. Keep Your Home Comfortable and Hazard-Free
With guests coming and going, the house can fill up quickly and create new slip and trip hazards. Clean up spills promptly, keep walkways clear, and check that outdoor steps are well-lit. If you’re decorating, be mindful of candles, space heaters, and extension cords, which can become fire risks if overlooked during the holiday rush. Kids and pets will also be excited and curious, so keep hot dishes, sharp objects, turkey bones, and toxic foods out of reach. A little preparation can prevent the small mishaps that interrupt an otherwise perfect holiday.
Bringing safety home doesn’t require big changes. It only requires awareness. By staying present, planning ahead, and looking out for the people around you, you can make this Thanksgiving both memorable and safe. From all of us at Excelsior, have a fun and safe holiday.