Thousands of accidents occur yearly on Turkey Day, but luckily, most are entirely preventable. Here, the legal team at Stewart Law Offices offers tips to keep yourself and your family safe this Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season.
Kitchen Safety
On Thanksgiving Day, the kitchen is where all the action happens. While many people enjoy the hustle and bustle of Turkey Day cooking, it can lead to more accidents in the kitchen. Here are some tips for decreasing the risk of injury in and around the kitchen:
- Keep surfaces clean and keep the floor clear of obstacles.
- Do not leave food unattended in the oven or on the stovetop. Do not leave the house while the range or other kitchen appliances are on. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and fire deaths.
- Keep young children out of the kitchen while cooking or preparing food.
- Wash your hands before and after handling food, especially raw meat.
- Sanitize all surfaces that come in contact with raw meat.
- Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Stick a thermometer in the innermost part of the thigh and the thickest portion of the breast to confirm.
- Do not leave food out for longer than two hours.
Fire Prevention
According to the NFPA, more house fires occur on Thanksgiving than on any other day. To prevent fires in the kitchen and elsewhere, take the following precautions:
- Check your smoke detectors to ensure they work before Thanksgiving Day.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
- Do not leave food unattended while cooking.
- Set a timer to alert you when to check on food.
- Keep flammable objects away from the stove, such as oven mitts, food packaging, and towels.
- If a fire occurs in the oven, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
- Never use a turkey fryer indoors.
Holiday Traveling Tips
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), hundreds of traffic fatalities occur annually on Thanksgiving Day. Furthermore, the NSC estimates that at least 50,000 travelers are injured in Thanksgiving Day traffic accidents yearly. Keep your family safe on the road this holiday season by following these tips:
- Make sure your car is in good working order before holiday travel. Check the oil, tire pressure, and windshield wiper fluid.
- Make sure everyone in the vehicle has their seatbelts fastened at all times.
- Plan your route ahead of time and try to avoid rush hours.
- Check the weather forecast and avoid driving in inclement conditions if possible.
- Keep extra snacks, water, and a first aid kit in the car.
- Never text and drive.
- Do not drive while intoxicated.
For All Personal Injury Cases, Call Stewart Law Offices Today
Taking every precaution will not eliminate all risks. You may still encounter drunk drivers, careless cooks, and unprepared hosts this Thanksgiving holiday. If you are injured in Rock Hill, contact Stewart Law Offices for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
