hanging from counters where children can pull them or people
may trip over them.
– Never leave the kitchen unattended if you have something cook-
ing on the stove. It is important to note that according to the
NFPA, Th anksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fi res,
followed by Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, and the day before
Th anksgiving. Unattended cooking was by far the leading con-
tributing factor in cooking fi res and deaths.
– Never leave the house unattended if the turkey, or any other
side dishes, are cooking in the oven.
– Make sure your smoke alarms are working.
– Keep children away from the stove. Th e stove will be hot and
kids should stay three feet away. Also make sure kids stay away
from hot food and liquids. Th e steam or splash from vegeta-
bles, gravy, or coff ee could cause serious burns.
– You should also keep knives out of the reach of children. And
make sure matches and utility lighters are also out of their reach.
– If someone gets burned, but their skin is not broken, soak in cool
(not cold) water and then cover with a dry, sterile bandage.
LEFTOVERS
Another wonderful aspect of the delicious Th anksgiving dinner is
the delicious left overs to be enjoyed for the days following. However,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), the bacteria Clostridium perfringens grows in cooked
foods left at room temperature. It is the
second most common bacterial cause of
food poisoning (the major symptoms are
vomiting and abdominal cramps within
six to 24 hours aft er eating). To ensure
that you and your loved ones continue to
stay safe and healthy when enjoying their
follow-up feast, the CDC recommends
that left overs be refrigerated at 40 degrees
F or colder as soon as possible and within
two hours of preparation. Slice or divide
big cuts of meat, such as a roast turkey,
into small quantities for refrigeration so
they will cool quickly. Reheat all left overs
to at least 165 degrees F before serving.
Following these suggestions may help
keep the Th anksgiving meal more festive
and safe for you and your loved ones.
Th omas Walters is the owner of Walters
Insurance Agency (with offi ces located in
both Wake Forest and Raleigh). Call
919-554-0267 or 919-848-8015 or email
Th omasWalters@allstate.com for help with
all of your insurance needs.
CIRCA Magazine | October • November • December 2020 | www.circamagazine.com 39
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