Thanksgiving ( it's only about 6 weeks away!) is one of the biggest holidays for family gathering, and having a houseful of people can be stressful, especially if it includes a number of small children or pets. Don't let a hectic weekend create any additional safety risks. Follow these tips for a happy Thanksgiving. Proper Food Storage When you start planning a big meal for a crowd, it's pretty easy to run out of space in the fridge. But leaving food out on the counter overnight, or even just for a few hours before dinner can put everyone at risk of food poisoning. It might seem like a smart time management approach to prepare a lot of dishes ahead of time, you should only go this route if you have a place to store everything. Otherwise, just accept that some things will have to be made right before you eat. That also means that all food needs to be fully cooked before serving. If dinnertime rolls around and the ham or turkey isn't quite done, don't rush to serve it up anyway. Better to delay dinner and have everything safely cooked. Watch the Fireplace The chilly weather in November can lead to a crackling fire to warm up the home, and even if you are experienced with starting fires, other people in the house may not be. Only let people who know what they're doing light or maintain a fire, and make it clear that no one else should be involved. A log tossed on carelessly can create a shower of sparks, and potential fire hazards. If you don't think you'll be able to keep kids or animals safely out of the way, it might be best to pass on the fire altogether. Stay Safe on the Stairs You might be very familiar with your own home, but your great-aunt or third cousin may not be. Do a little tidy up and get all clutter off the floor in the common walkways, and pay specific attention to the stairs. Taking a tumble down the steps is not a great holiday tradition. Check on Food Allergies These days, people may have a variety of dietary issues that you need to watch out for. Most will speak up on their own but you should ask all of your guests if any particular foods are going to be an issue for them. Dairy or peanut allergies, Celiac disease or veganism can make things difficult for some people, and you may actually make someone quite ill if they eat something they shouldn't. Be clear to everyone what the ingredients are, and take care not to cross-contaminate when cooking or handling food. Consider Your Pets Too Thanksgiving is all about the food, and pets that beg for treats can be hard to resist. Chocolate is toxic for dogs, and onions or garlic are also dangerous for cats or dogs. Even food that isn't inherently dangerous can upset a pet's stomach if they're not used to it. Tell your guests not to hand out bits of food to your cats or dogs, and perhaps have pet-safe treats on hand so your animals can still enjoy a little special attention. Checkout our Facebook page for more tips on home safety, saving money and more! https://www.facebook.com/RyanAgency/