As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, remain diligent to protect against the following potential holiday-related hazards.
Travel – The National Safety Council predicts that more than 500 Americans may die because of vehicle accidents this Thanksgiving. To avoid or mitigate the consequences of an accident, you should:
- Enforce the use of seat belts for all passengers and ensure that children are properly secured in car seats.
- Plan for potential delays and stock your vehicle with emergency supplies.
- Avoid distractions and don’t drive drowsy or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Fire – Kitchen fires are the number one cause of house fires, and Thanksgiving is the number one day for home-cooking fires. To avoid a fire incident:
- Ensure that smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are in good working condition.
- Don’t overload electrical outlets and avoid using extension cords to power kitchen appliances.
- Never leave food on the cooktop or in the oven unattended.
- Consider using flameless candles. If you use traditional candles, don’t leave them unattended and keep away from flammable items.
Kitchen – Burns, cuts, and falls increase emergency care visits during Thanksgiving. To avoid injuries:
- Sharpen knives to reduce the risk of being cut.
- Don’t wear billowy or loose-fitting clothing that could make contact with heat sources.
- Clean up spills quickly to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
- Keep children out of the kitchen when possible.
Foodborne Illness – The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports 1 in 6 Americans get sick from foodborne
illnesses each year. Thanksgiving could increase the risk. Consider the following tips to stay healthy:
- Thaw frozen turkeys in the refrigerator in their original packaging.
- Wash your hands before and after preparing food.
- Use dedicated tools and cutting boards to avoid cross-contamination.
- Heat food to the proper internal temperature and promptly refrigerate leftovers