DON'T LET ACCIDENTS ON THANKSGIVING DAY BE THE MAIN COURSE!
YOUR THANKSGIVING SURVIVAL GUIDE
“Safety never takes a holiday.”
—Paul Blart
Thanksgiving is a day to gather with loved ones, share a delicious meal, and express gratitude. However, amidst the celebrations, Thanksgiving can also present unexpected risks. From kitchen fires to foodborne illnesses, injuries, and travel mishaps, safety should remain a priority to make sure your holiday is memorable for all the right reasons.
"Safety does not come with luck. It has to be prepared."
— Author Unknown
Preparing Thanksgiving dinner often involves complex recipes, long cooking hours, and crowded kitchens. This increases the risk of kitchen fires and injuries. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires. Did you know that four times as many cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving as on any other day of the year? Proper safety measures, like keeping a fire extinguisher handy, supervising frying or baking processes, and using timers, can prevent these accidents.
Turkey, stuffing, and other holiday foods can become breeding grounds for bacteria if not handled correctly. Simple precautions like defrosting your turkey safely, cooking it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and avoiding cross-contamination can keep your meal delicious and safe. Be sure to follow the USDA’s food safety guidelines.
Slippery floors, cluttered spaces, and holiday decorations can cause falls or other injuries. Simple steps like securing rugs, organizing spaces, and being mindful of where you place candles or other hazards can make your home safer for family and guests. Did you know that more than 36,000 patients are admitted to emergency rooms nationwide for Thanksgiving related accidents?
Thanksgiving often involves traveling to visit family or friends. 30% of Americans plan to travel this year. Did you know it's estimated that there are some 507 fatalities each year on Thanksgiving weekend and that almost 58,000 people are seriously injured in car crashes each year? Heavy traffic, inclement weather, and long drives can lead to accidents. Following safe driving practices, maintaining your vehicle, and planning ahead for weather-related delays are critical to ensuring a safe trip both to Thanksgiving dinner and back home.
As Benjamin Franklin so famously said: "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." This was true in the 18th century and it's still true in the 21st century.
THANKSGIVING SAFETY TIPS: INFOGRAPHIC
"Carefulness costs you nothing. Carelessness may cost you your life.”
— Author unknown
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