November 15, 2009
Thankful for Safety
by Dave Springer
Hello All,
By the time you read this it will be time to be thinking of Thanksgiving, and of the good times to be spent with family & friends this holiday season.
I don't know what you like for Thanksgiving dinner here in the Delta. My friends tell me that it is mostly what I am used to-turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, lots of good gravy on the above, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, homemade rolls salads, veggies, pumpkin pie, and lots of other good deserts. I don't know if you add any of the locally available meats or sea foods or have other goodies that you like.
I know that in my family we always give thanks for the past year, have a great feast, enjoy some good football, maybe a good movie, and a few of us plan the "Black Friday" shopping expeditions.
While we are doing all of this let's not forget to be safe while we are having our great times together. Do you roast your turkey in an electric roaster? Make sure not to use an extension cord on it if possible. If that is not possible then make sure that the cord you use is rated to carry the load it needs to. Route the cord carefully so that people can't trip on it or pull the roaster off the counter by easily snagging the cord.
Do you fry your turkey in peanut oil? Make sure that if you are using a propane fryer that you use it outdoors, that the connections are secure, and that someone is watching that the little ones don't get burned by the flames, or knock the pot off the burner and get burned with the hot oil. Remember also to NEVER put a frozen turkey into the hot oil as it can cause the oil to boil over causing injuries and fires. Lastly, make sure that the oil has cooled completely before you strain it and return it to the storage vessel.
What about all of those wonderful leftovers? When you have finished eating get them refrigerated or frozen right away. Don't let them sit out for grazing during the games or movies. We don't want any uninvited germs crashing our festivities. My food experts tell me to get things put away within about three hours of serving.
At home, if I had not already done it, I would usually put the outdoor Christmas decorations up either Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving. Before you do, make sure to check your cords for any cuts, nicks, or frayed spots that could be a source of fires. Even worse, they could cause electrical shocks. That would be a revolting situation. Make sure that if you need to use a ladder that it is securely placed, and not placed where either you or the ladder can fall into a power line.
Stay safe, I want you all here to read my Christmas message.
