Millions of Americans gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving. The includes road trips to family who live in other states and lots of cooks in the kitchen. Did you know that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home fires as a result of cooking? Take a few minutes with your family to review these safety tips before your Thanksgiving celebration!
Tips for the Road:
- Don’t be a rule breaker. Follow the speed limit, slow down for work zones, don’t follow too closely, come to a full stop at stop signs and don’t speed through red lights.
- Make frequent stops. Road trips can feel long and can cause you to become drowsy. Split up the driving between a few drivers and rotate frequently. If you are the only one able to drive, make sure you take rest breaks to stretch your legs and keep your mind active and aware of your surroundings.
- Prepare before you go. Check your tire pressure and oil levels. Take care of any maintenance before hitting the road. Clean your headlights, taillights and windows.
- Remember your headlights. Turn your headlights on as soon as dusk approaches and remember to use headlights if you are driving in inclement weather.
Tips for the Kitchen:
- Test your smoke detectors prior to Thanksgiving Day.
- Keep the kitchen floor clean of children’s toys to avoid tripping in the cooking area. Keep all sharp and hot objects, such as knives, pushed far back on the counter and out of children’s reach.
- Use timers and never leave cooking food unattended– this will reduce the risk that you forget the stove or oven is on. Unattended cooking is the leading factor contributing to cooking fires.
- Keep children and pets out of the kitchen and away from the cooking area. Food can splatter unexpectedly and hot food can seriously injure your children.
- Keep unnecessary items away from the stove. Pot holders, oven mitts, utensils, food packaging and towels can all catch fire quickly. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, just in case.
- Regularly clean your cooking area to reduce grease buildup that could lead to a fire.
- Do one final check of the kitchen before leaving or going to bed to ensure all stoves, ovens and appliances are turned off and, if appropriate, unplugged.