For most Americans, the Thanksgiving holiday is a time for relaxation, good company and being thankful for all the positive things in our lives. But, when so many people are on the road or crowding into the kitchen on the same day, accidents are bound to happen. What’s important is that common-sense precautions are taken so that no one is hurt as a result of someone’s lapse in judgment.
To ensure safety during the holiday, we must simply be mindful of the risks. To avoid mishaps, it’s best to have a plan for your Thanksgiving Day activities. Hupy and Abraham has provided a few cooking safety tips so you can have the best holiday possible.
Thanksgiving Safety Tips
Stay in the Kitchen
When you are cooking on the stovetop, always keep an eye on the food. If you need to leave the kitchen, turn off the burner and do not leave the house, even if you’re baking.
Enforce a “Kid-Free Zone”
Keep the kids away from the cooking area and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove. On such a busy day, assign younger children chores outside the kitchen like setting the table.
Clean As You Go
Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys or bags. Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup. Cooks should try to avoid loose-fitting clothes or dangling sleeves while cooking.
Check Your Safety Equipment
Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Check them by pushing the test button. Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen.
Cook a Safe Turkey
Always defrost your turkey. Defrosting is most important if you plan to deep-fry your turkey instead of baking. A frozen turkey introduced to hot oil can cause an explosion, and should be prepared outdoors. Also, avoid washing the turkey. Running raw poultry under the faucet is more likely to spread germs than remove them.
Accidents on the Road
Although a lot of accidents happen in the kitchen Thanksgiving Day, you still need to be careful on the road. There are increased amounts of people driving during the holiday, which can be dangerous.
Not only do you need to be on the lookout for potentially intoxicated drivers on the road, but you should also be mindful if driving somewhere unfamiliar. Make sure your vehicle has a well-stocked emergency kit in case of a breakdown, and if you become lost, it’s important to pull over before making a phone call or consulting a map for directions.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States. But it is also a time when many people are seriously injured in accidents, often due to the negligent or reckless behavior of another. Please be especially cautious if you start your Black Friday shopping on Thanksgiving evening, several types of accidents are common during this time.
Keeping these simple tips in mind, we hope that you can take on your Thanksgiving Day safely. The attorneys at Hupy and Abraham wish you a happy holiday, and if for any reason you experience an accident this Thanksgiving, we are here to help. Please contact us for a free consultation at 800-800-5678.
