Got Turkey? Test Your Cooking Safety Know-How

Teaser: Take our quiz before you put on your apron.

Day, November X, 2010 — Ah, Thanksgiving. It’s got it all: bountiful food, family togetherness, kitchen fires. Wait, kitchen fires?

Unfortunately, Thanksgiving is the #1 day for cooking fires. So take our quiz and get tips to keep your holiday drama-free (at least in the kitchen).

1. Unattended cooking causes what percentage of kitchen fires?
a. 90 percent
b. 25 percent
c. 60 percent

2. If you’re frying, grilling or broiling food, you should…
a. Stay in your home and check on the food regularly.
b. Feel free to go outside. Just check on the food from time to time.
c. Stay in the kitchen the entire time.

3. When you’re cooking, kids should stay how far away from the stove?
a. At least 3 feet
b. At least 6 feet
c. They should be in another room.

4. If you’re simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, you should…
a. Stay in the kitchen the entire time.
b. Stay in your home, check the food regularly and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
c. Feel free to leave the home, but only for short errands.

5. Which of the following are ok to keep on the stovetop?
a. Potholders and wooden utensils
b. Dish towels and food wrappers
c. All of the above
d. None of the above

6. If a fire starts in a pan while you’re cooking, what should you do?
a. Move the pan off the stove.
b. Slide a lid over the burning pan and turn off the burner.
c. Beat the fire with a towel.


How many did you get right?

0-2: Put down that spatula! Read our cooking safety tips before making your feast.

3-5: You’ve got potential—read about cooking safety and show off your knowledge on Thanksgiving.

All 6: Bravo! You’re a cooking safety maestro. Go to Redcross.org to build your safety knowledge even further.

Answers: 1. a; 2. c; 3. a; 4. b; 5. d; 6. b