Tips for Thanksgiving Safety

Thanks giving is just a few days away and we want to make sure that you are safe this holiday season. As you start preparing your holiday schedule and organizing that large family feast, remember, by following a few simple safety tips you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep yourself and your family safe.

1. Safe Cooking

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to share with family, however it is also the peak day for home cooking fires by a factor of 4. The number one cause of cooking fires on thanksgiving is leaving the kitchen unattended while cooking. This is outright dangerous and while there are plenty of distractions this time of the year, it’s pertinent that you always focus on the task at hand. Not only can this prevent you from causing a fire, but it can also keep you from cutting or injuring yourself when preparing food.

2. Road rage

AAA projects 54.3 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more away from home this Thanksgiving which means the roads will be packed with people going every direction on their way to family gatherings. The holidays can be stressful with drivers filling shopping center parking lots or battling congested highways on a road trip. Minor frustrations have the potential to turn deadly if drivers act on their anger.

Remember the reason for the season and…

• Be early and don’t rush. Most road rage could be eliminated if everyone would take their time and not rush. Rushed driving is not enjoyable and results in accidents, so plan ahead.
• Take a moment to consider that everyone is just trying to get home to see their families just like you are so don’t offend others or drive erratically. We’re all just trying to make it dinner!
• Be tolerant and forgiving. Just because someone cut you off doesn’t mean you need to drive like a maniac to prove a point. Moving on and making it home safely is going to be a much better experience than playing childish road rage games that result in a traffic citation or worse, an accident.

3. Drink Responsibly

Thanksgiving is a time for celebration and having a few adult beverages is a great way to relax. While we all want to have a good time, it is important to drink responsibly and not go overboard. Whether you’re having a glass of wine to unwind or a cocktail to calm your nerves around the in-laws, remember that having a few too many drinks can have consequences. Having a few drinks and attempting to drive not only puts you at risk but it also threatens the well being of others as well. Calling an Uber/Lyft to get home has never been easier, so there is no reason anyone should drink and drive this year.

Pro Tip: Overindulging in alcohol around your in-laws can leave you paying the price for many future family gatherings to come, in more ways than one… Pay attention and don’t make that mistake either!

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to be with friends and family, just remember to be responsible and pay attention to what you’re doing. By taking your time and enjoying the moment, you can make sure that you and your family have many thanksgivings to come!