Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Families

Thanksgiving brings together family, friends, and food — but it can also bring some hidden hazards if we’re not careful. Between hot stoves, sharp knives, long drives, and overnight stays, there are plenty of opportunities for accidents. Thankfully, with a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a safe, stress-free, and memorable holiday.

🦃 Kitchen Safety

The kitchen is the hub of Thanksgiving festivities, but it’s also one of the most common places where accidents happen. Hot pots, sharp tools, and slippery floors can all pose risks, especially with little ones underfoot. To keep everyone safe and the meal running smoothly:

• Turn pot handles inward so they can’t be grabbed or bumped.

• Keep children at least three feet away from the stove or oven.

• Never leave food unattended while it’s cooking.

• Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a grease fire.

• Move dishes and serving trays away from counter edges where kids or pets might reach them.

It’s also important to teach children to stay away from the oven — especially when it’s open — and to double-check that burners and ovens are turned off when cooking is done.

🏡 Food and Home Safety

Whether you’re hosting guests or heading to someone else’s house, a few small steps can prevent big problems. Make sure your home is child-safe and ready for visitors by:

• Testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors before Thanksgiving Day.

• Keeping purses, medications, and cleaning supplies stored high or locked away.

• Choosing LED or flameless candles to reduce the risk of fire.

• Ensuring fireplaces have protective screens to prevent burns.

When it comes to food prep, always use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey reaches at least 165°F, and never let children carve the turkey or handle sharp knives. Encourage little ones to wait for food to cool before eating to prevent burns. And if your home will be full of guests, assign a responsible adult or older child to keep an eye on younger kids while you’re busy in the kitchen.

🚗 Travel and Sleep Safety

For families traveling this Thanksgiving, safety doesn’t stop once the food is packed away. The journey — and where you stay — matters too.

Before you hit the road, make sure children use the bathroom or have a fresh diaper change, and remember: don’t strap kids into car seats while they’re wearing bulky coats.

Thick jackets can make car seats less effective in a crash. Instead, buckle your child in snugly and wrap a blanket over the harness for warmth.

Keep your eyes on the road, stay alert for drowsy or impaired drivers, and don’t be afraid to speak up if you see something unsafe. If you’re spending the night away from home, bring a travel crib or bassinet to ensure infants sleep safely. Talk to children ahead of time about sleeping in a new place — this can ease their nerves — and give kids time to digest before bedtime for a more restful night.

🍂 A Safe and Thankful Celebration

By slowing down and taking a few simple precautions, you can focus on what really matters this Thanksgiving: quality time with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting, traveling, or visiting family, a few mindful safety habits will help keep everyone healthy, happy, and thankful.

So this year, as you prepare your feast and fill your home with laughter, remember — safety is one more way to show love.

Stay prepared, stay connected.

The Institute for Childhood Preparedness Team