ARLINGTON, Virginia (7News) — 7News On Your Side helps you keep your family safe this holiday season.

If you need help with your turkey today, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Meat and Poultry Hotline is operational from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can call 1-888-674-6854.

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According to the USDA, you should make sure your turkey reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a food thermometer and check in three places: the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the innermost part of the wing.

Leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of serving.

“THE dangerous area is the temperature zone that we consider unsafe for any perishable item,” said Jesse Garcia, USDA public affairs specialist. “You don’t want those cold or hot items to stay in the 40-degree temperature zone for too long, between 40 degrees and 140 degrees.”

After each reheating, the USDA said leftovers will be safe to eat for an additional 3 to 4 days, but keep in mind that the quality decreases each time. It is best to reheat or freeze food only a few times to maintain the best quality possible.

On Monday, you’ll need to decide whether you want to finish the leftovers, throw them away, or freeze them for later.

Each time the food is reheated, Garcia said it should reach the 165 degree mark.