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
