The holiday season brings families and friends together. They gather around to eat a delicious meal. Unfortunately, many dangers can occur when preparing a delicious holiday meal. Here are some helpful tips to keep you safe when cooking for the holidays:
- Wash your hands frequently when handling food
- Keep raw meat away from fresh produce
- Cook food thoroughly
- Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for uncooked and cooked meats to avoid cross-contamination
- Refrigerate hot or cold leftover food within two hours of serving it
- Don’t wear loose clothing while cooking
- Never leave food that is cooking unattended
- Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup
- Keep children and pets away from the cooking area
- Keep any objects that may be flammable away from the stove
- Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on
- Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed
- Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen
- Always check the kitchen before bed or leaving the house to ensure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off
- Keep the floor clear of any tripping hazards
- Exercise caution when handling hot liquids and foods
Whether you are prepping, cooking, or serving food this holiday season, it is important to take the proper precautions to ensure that you and your loved ones enjoy a happy, healthy, safe holiday. If you experience any problems, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.