Use this guide to get your home prepared for Thanksgiving festivities so that the holiday (and days leading up to it) are stress and hazard-free.
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Thanksgiving Preparation for New York Homeowners
- Check Kitchen Appliances Prior to Thanksgiving
We recommend checking that all appliances are in working condition prior to the holiday. A broken dishwasher, oven, sink, or small kitchen appliance can really put a damper on Thanksgiving, and repairs can be delayed due to the holiday. - Get Organized for Cooking and Baking
If you are cooking or baking for Thanksgiving, lay out all ingredients ahead of time with the recipe at the ready! Pre-measure dry ingredients and set them aside with labels for easy and organized cooking and baking. This will help prevent kitchen accidents caused by rushing to finish everything on time.
In addition to ingredients, set aside kitchen tools like whisks, baking pans, and measuring spoons. Set them aside with the ingredients so that you are not scrambling in the kitchen. - Avoid Fire Hazards from Thanksgiving Decor
While real candles look and smell great, they are a fire hazard. If you must include candles in your table setting, opt for LED candles instead of flame-lit candles. This will prevent any issues if they get knocked over by a pet or family member. - Keep Pets Safe from Holiday Hazards
Food scraps and the constant entry and exit of guests in and out of your home can pose a threat to pets. Use extra caution to keep your pets safe during Thanksgiving. - Adhere to Trash Policies
Continue to follow your co-op, condo, or HOA’s trash room and garbage disposal policies even with the influx of packages and trash caused by holiday shopping and trash. - Reserve Common Areas in Advance
Reserve common areas such as clubhouses and guest rooms in advance if they are needed to host family and/or friends. - Add to the Guest List
Inform security personnel (if applicable) of guests and their cars in advance. This promotes a safer community as theft can spike during the holiday season.
- Don’t Forget or Abandon Your Cooking
Do not leave the stove or oven unattended. Set timers on your phone for different food items to help ensure that you don’t burn food (or forget something in the oven!). If your home is equipped with an egg timer or a smart device, such as Amazon Echo, you can also use those as extra timers. - Skip Deep-Fried Turkey
Never deep-fry a frozen turkey or fry a whole turkey indoors. It is a fire hazard, and extremely dangerous all around. - Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Extended use of the oven and stove during Thanksgiving and the holiday season, can pose a risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Always have proper ventilation by opening windows, or using a fan. Check that all carbon monoxide detectors are working as well. - Participate in Our Recipe Swap
Participate in our Recipe Swap by sharing or submitting a recipe! - Early Holiday Decorating and Christmas Trees
If it is a family tradition to put the Christmas tree up immediately after Thanksgiving, opt for a fake tree. Neglecting to water the tree regularly can be extremely hazardous because once it is dried out, it can catch fire very quickly.
While fake trees are a good alternative because they do not require watering, heat sources such as string lights can still make them hazardous. Therefore, consider pre-lit LED Christmas trees. They will cut down on installation time, and hazards from faulty wiring, outlets, etc… - Give Back to Long Island and New York City Families
Consider donating extra cans of food and/or non-perishables to the following local organizations:
Long Island Cares
City Harvest
- Spread Holiday Cheer!
The Holiday season is all about spreading joy and kindness. Check-in on your neighbors, as for some this time of year can be lonely or challenging.
Related Thanksgiving Preparation and Safety Resources
- NYC Fire Safety Resources
- 32 Fire Hazards to Avoid in Your Home
- Emergency Resources for Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens Residents
Have a Wonderful and Safe Thanksgiving!
The holiday rush does not have to be stressful or hazardous. Prepare ahead of time and use extra caution leading up to, and during Thanksgiving and the holiday season to minimize safety risks and issues that can detract from the enjoyment during this festive time of year.
