Practice Safety First This Thanksgiving Holiday

During this time of year, when family and friends get together to celebrate each other and all that they are thankful for, we like to remind everyone to practice safety first during all the holiday celebrations. It is also an excellent time to remind children what to do in case of an emergency! Check out some tips we have compiled for you to make your holiday a little more safe and prepared.

Traveling

Many families will be on the road traveling to visit friends and relatives for Thanksgiving- they actually are stating on the news that this will be the biggest travel year in almost 10 years. Please remember not to use your cell phone when you are driving- this means no texting and driving either! It is best to always pull over if you need to talk or text on the phone. It only takes seconds for an accident to occur so keep your eyes on the road at all times. Distracted drivers and any harsh weather conditions can be a recipe for disaster. So remember to keep alert and dial 9-1-1 if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation. (And Know Your Location!) Install the FEMA app for Weather Alerts, safety tips, emergency checklists and more. Here is the link: FEMA APP

Cooking

One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is all the delicious dishes created by friends and loved ones alike! When preparing these yummy dishes, please remember to be smart and safe. Salmonella is a common cause of food poisoning and while it’s normally not fatal, it is widespread. It is typically found in raw meats, poultry, eggs, milk, fish and their bi-products. Salmonella can only be destroyed by cooking food thoroughly and with temperatures above 140 degrees.

Food poisoning usually happens because of poor food handling practices. Symptoms can include fever, headache, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and vomiting. The guilty party in all food poisonings is bacteria, which enters our bodies through contaminated food. Wash hands, dishes, utensils, kitchen equipment and work surfaces before and after handling. Be particularly careful around knives, washing them thoroughly after each use. And remember, even frozen food can contain bacteria. If you think you might have been poisoned, please do not hesitate to contact poison control for help at 1-800-222-1222.

Below is a video on fire-safe cooking from NFPA. Remember, if a fire occurs please do not hesitate to dial 9-1-1 for help! (See Turkey Fryer Safety)

Home Safety

Be smart if you plan to travel away from your home for the holidays. Do not post that you are going to be out of town on any social media sites. Secure all windows and doors so there is no easy entry into your home and set an alarm system if you have one. If you can, have a friend move your car occasionally while you are gone so it looks like someone is home. Thieves love to prey on easy targets so please do not be an easy target and keep your home safe. And if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation, please do not hesitate to contact 9-1-1 for help.

 

Turkey Fryer Safety