Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and delicious food-but it’s also one of the busiest days of the year for fire department calls and ER visits. With so much cooking, traveling, and celebrating it could be easy to overlook some basic safety precautions. Here are some measures to incorporate into your holiday plans to help make sure your Thanksgiving is a safe and happy one.
Cooking Safety
- Cooking fires are the leading cause of Thanksgiving accidents. Never leave the stove or oven unattended while cooking.
- Keep all flammable items such as dish towels, oven mitts and paper packaging away from heat sources.
- If you’re deep-frying a turkey, make sure to do it outdoors, on a flat surface, and away from buildings and trees.
- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before lowering it into hot oil to prevent dangerous flare ups.
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy, and know how to use it.
Travel Safety
- If traveling by plane, anticipate delays and airport congestion. Arrive early.
- If you’re driving, get plenty of rest before hitting the road, avoid distractions, and plan for heavy traffic.
- Keep an eye on the weather. If poor conditions are predicted plan accordingly.
- Remember to always consume alcohol responsibly, and never drive impaired.
Let’s kick off the holiday season right! With a little care and preparation this Thanksgiving, you can focus on what truly matters-enjoying a safe, stress-free holiday with loved ones.
