Three Meats and a Thermometer

Using a food thermometer and knowing safe temperature ranges will keep your family healthy and may improve your culinary skills.  Good everyday kitchen habits will also serve you well during disasters and emergencies.

Any store with a kitchen department will likely carry a variety food thermometers.  Know what you're cooking and how you plan to cook it.  Pick a thermometer (or two) that suits your needs.

Understand the food danger zone.  Bacteria is all around us, in the air, in the soil and on surfaces.  When bacteria grow in food before we consume it, we can become quite ill.  Not only will some bacteria make us ill, but some bacteria produce toxins that remain even after cooking! 

Do you need to replace your smoke detectors?

Smoke detectors wear out! Like any electronic device, there are parts that can break, corrode, fatigue or malfunction. And with the advances in technology, you'll want the best protection for your family. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 5-10 years. I bought my house 10 years ago. As I replaced the smoke detector batteries last week, I realized, "It's time!" Thankfully, most basic smoke detectors cost less than $15. So... this week-end (before we turn on the furnace and cook the turkey) I'll be running to the hardware store for four new life-saving alert devices.

Big Test! With these tips you'll pass!

This FEMA video explains the upcoming national test of the Emergency Alert System.

Next Wednesday, November 9, 2012 at 2:00 pm Eastern, we will be conducting our first nationwide test of the emergency alert system. You know the one, where that annoying tone buzzes, the screen goes striped and a voice says, "This is a test of the Emergency Alert System. This is only a test." Except this time, the test will be live and nationwide.