Thanksgiving can be a great time to spend with family and friends and enjoy a delicious meal. However, the holiday season can bring hazards, so it is important to practice safety. The most common hazards during Thanksgiving are fire, home security, and travel incidents. We want to keep our friends and clients safe this holiday season, so here are some holiday safety tips:
Fire
According to State Farm Insurance, Thanksgiving is the #1 day of the year for cooking fires. The leading causes of these fires comes from preparing turkeys in a fryer indoors and leaving cooking unattended. Here are some tips to prevent cooking fires this year:
- Follow all instructions carefully when using a deep fryer and do not leave the fryer unattended. Deep fryers should always be used outdoors at a safe distance from buildings, porches and any other flammable materials.
- Make sure that meat is completely thawed before being cooked in a fryer, or else a grease fire could occur.
- Do not leave stovetops unattended when cooking.
- Have a fire extinguisher on hand and know how to use it.
- Make sure smoke alarms are working.
Home Security
Burglars tend to target homes when no one is there, so they can get in and out as quickly as possible without being caught. With that in mind, one way you can prevent burglaries is to make it look like you are home. A few things you can do include:
- Use smart home security devices. Set timers for your porch and outdoor lights.
- Have your mail held at the post office, or ask your neighbors to collect it for you so it doesn’t pile up.
- Park a car in the driveway, if possible.
- Don’t post on social media about being away from your home unless it’s an emergency.
Traveling
Thousands of people travel over Thanksgiving week to gather with family and friends. it is important to be prepared before hitting the road.
- Thanksgiving Eve is the deadliest time for alcohol-related fatal accidents. Never drink alcohol and drive because it impairs physical and mental faculties.
- Buckle up every time.
- Plan your route and be aware of weather conditions.
- Do not text while driving and keep your eyes on the road at all times.
- Carry an emergency kit in your car for both medical and car-related emergencies.
Please keep these things in mind this holiday season. We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!