On a day meant for gratitude, too many families face preventable safety issues, instead. Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the Top 4 Thanksgiving Safety Hazards and learn how to keep your celebration safe and joyful.
1) Fire
More than 4,000 home fires take place Thanksgiving Day in the United States, and most of those start in the kitchen. To help prevent fire in your home on Thanksgiving:
- Never leave food cooking or the stove unsupervised
- Keep potholders and food wrappers at least three feet away from heat sources while cooking
- Keep children away from the stove
- Keep baking soda on hand to put out kitchen fires
- Avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking, as long, open sleeves can catch fire. Instead, wear short or tightly rolled sleeves.
- Make sure the floor remains free of anything that could cause tripping
- Test your smoke alarms to confirm they are working properly
2) Food
Proper food handling and cooking are essential to prevent illness
- Always wash your hands after handling raw or undercooked poultry
- Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and produce to prevent cross-contamination
- The USDA recommends cooking the turkey at a minimum of 325°F
- Use a food thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165–180°F
- Store leftovers within 2 hours or toss them
3) Travel
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, with 91% of travelers driving and over 20 million flying. These heavy travel volumes increase the likelihood of accidents and delays
- When traveling by car, make sure your vehicle is well-maintained, plan your route ahead of time, and be prepared with an emergency kit
- Allow yourself extra travel time, especially in areas where there may be inclement weather
- Expect slower traffic and avoid rushing to reduce stress and drive safely.
- Do not announce travel plans over social media, as a study found that 4 out of 5 ex-burglars used social media sites to identify unoccupied properties
- For air travel, allow extra time to get to your gate, get plenty of rest to help you stay patient in the crowded airport, and pack efficiently to minimize time spent in lines or at baggage claim
- Regardless of method of travel, always stay aware of weather conditions
4) Pets
Pets can add extra chaos to a busy Thanksgiving gathering, creating potential hazards, to help keep them safe:
· Never give turkey or chicken bones to pets, as they can splinter and cause choking
· Dogs should be kept away from any dish that has onions, leeks, garlic, raisins, grapes or chocolate, as those foods can be hazardous to your dog’s health
Taking time to plan and organize can significantly reduce risks during Thanksgiving, creating a safer environment for you and your loved ones. While you can’t control everything, preparing for these common hazards helps ensure the day stays filled with gratitude!
Until next time….Work Safe & Be Safe!
