Safety Tips

Oakland County Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
A young woman walking with shopping bags in hands, christmas background

The season of giving is well underway and that means many of us are scouring newspaper ads and checking the web for the best deals on holiday gifts. Several shops and stores are offering deals and deep discounts that make shopping trips and online shopping easier on the wallet, but be sure to take precautions to keep you and your accounts safe!

See our tips on special sales events, online shopping, and brick and mortar shopping to ensure safe shopping this holiday season and throughout the year. Continue reading →

Oakland County U-Cut Tree Farms

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
Cute baby girl in red Scandinavian dress at the Christmas tree farm.

Oakland County is home to seven “u-cut” tree farms. Enjoy the holiday tradition of cutting your own tree whether it’s your first adventure or an annual tradition. Check out our interactive map and full list to find the best tree farm for you:

Christmas Tree Farms in Oakland County

Before you head out to find your special tree, prepare yourself with these tree farm tips:

  • Dress for the weather, and be prepared for snow.
  • Check ahead for special events such as Santa visits, hayrides, hot cocoa and cider.
  • Some farms may not accept credit or debit cards; call ahead or bring cash or checks just in case.
  • Avoid tripping or falling by watching out for hidden stumps while walking on the farm.
  • Prepare your home ahead of time to make sure your tree’s path inside is obstruction-free.
  • Read through the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)’s comprehensive list of tree and decoration safety precautions to avoid hazards to your safety and property.

For more tips visit the Michigan Christmas Tree Association website here. Stay warm and have fun!

Family stands beside a Christmas tree in a forest.

Do you have a favorite tree farm that’s missing from the list or map? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter, by contacting us at socialmedia@oakgov.com, or leaving a comment below.

Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and events year-round.

Oakland County Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
A beautiful, cooked turkey sits in the center of the table amidst of Thanksgiving dishes like stuffing and cranberry sauce.

Whether you’re a pro at hosting the Thanksgiving meal or this will be your very first time, it’s important to follow and practice food safety tips, especially when poultry and stuffing are involved.

Turkey:

Cooking a turkey requires planning and preparation; get started using these tips from the USDA.

  • Buy the turkey a few days before you plan to cook it.
  • Refrain from buying a pre-stuffed turkey.
  • Remember that thawing the turkey takes 24 hours in the refrigerator for every four to five pounds, and cold water thawing takes 30 minutes per pound.
  • Be sure the turkey is completely thawed before cooking.
  • Set the oven temperature no lower than 325 ºF.
  • Place turkey breast-side up on a flat wire rack in a shallow roasting pan 2-2 1/2 inches deep.
  • Cook stuffing in a casserole for optimum safety.
  • Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer and ensure it is at least 165 ºF.
  • Let the bird sit for 20 minutes before removing stuffing and carving.

Homemade Roasted Thanksgiving Day Turkey with all the Sides

Stuffing:

The Partnership for Food Safety Education has a special section devoted to stuffing in their Talking Turkey guide.

  • Cook all stuffing and dressing to a minimum temperature of 165 ºF, whether it is cooked inside or outside the bird. For optimum safety, cooking your stuffing in a casserole dish is recommended.
  • Prepare and put stuffing in the turkey immediately before it’s placed into the oven.
  • Mix wet and dry ingredients for the stuffing separately and combine just before using.
  • Stuff the turkey loosely, about 3/4 cup stuffing per pound of turkey.
  • Bake any extra stuffing in a greased casserole dish.

Need more tips for preparing your feast? Call Butterball’s hotline at 800-288-8372, text them at 844-877-3456, or visit their website. Check out the Oakland County Health Division website for additional food safety tips.

Continue reading →