With Thanksgiving approaching, it’s almost time to take your turkey out of the freezer.

According to the US Department of AgricultureThere are a few tips to ensure you defrost your bird safely.

After you buy a turkey at the store, you should take it home and store it in the freezer. Not on the back porch, or in a cold car, or anywhere else where temperatures aren’t consistent.

There are three safe ways to defrost a turkey: either in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave.

Frozen turkey left thawed on the counter can enter the “danger zone” within two hours, meaning bacteria will begin to multiply quickly.

For thawing in the refrigerator: allow about 24 hours for each four to five pounds in a refrigerator set to 40°F or lower. Place the turkey in a container to prevent juice from dripping onto other foods.

• 4 to 12 pounds – 1 to 3 days
• 12 to 16 pounds – 3 to 4 days
• 16 to 20 pounds – 4 to 5 days
• 20 to 24 pounds — 5 to 6 days

A thawed turkey can stay in the refrigerator 1 to 2 days before cooking.

To thaw in cold water: Allow about 30 minutes per pound and make sure the turkey is in a sealed plastic bag.

Immerse the wrapped turkey in cold tap water and change the water every 30 minutes. Cook the turkey immediately after defrosting.

• 4 to 12 pounds – 2 to 6 hours
• 12 to 16 pounds – 6 to 8 hours
• 16 to 20 pounds – 8 to 10 hours
• 20 to 24 pounds – 10 to 12 hours

For defrosting in the microwave: follow the instructions provided by the microwave itself. Once thawed, it should be cooked immediately.