In addition to serious holiday emergencies like kitchen fires, there are other smaller issues that can still cause panic, such as ensuring your bird is cooked in time for dinner or questions about how long to cook your turkey and how to tell if it's done. Don't worry, you've got this! The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides helpful food safety resources that can give you the information and confidence you need.

One resource is the Meat and Poultry Hotline, where you can talk to a real person for assistance with your turkey emergency. Just call 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) during weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or on Thanksgiving Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you're a night owl, you can listen to pre-recorded food safety advice 24/7. Since its launch in 1985, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline has answered over 2 million phone calls about safe storage, handling, and preparation of meat, poultry, and eggs.

Another resource is Ask USDA, an online database that provides quick answers to commonly asked questions from the hotline. You can also access live chat during specified weekday hours. If you prefer email, you can send your question to MPHotline.fsis@usda.gov.

For specific turkey-related guidance, check out the USDA's "Let's Talk Turkey" time and temperature guides. These guides cover topics such as thawing, roasting, storing, and reheating your turkey.

GOBBLE GOBBLE!!