Thanksgiving is here and many will start traveling and spending hours in the kitchen preparing for family dinners. PropertyCasualty360 reminds us of 20 tips to take to help stay safe on the road and while cooking this Thanksgiving holiday.
Safety in the Kitchen
- Test smoke alarms and replace batteries. If you do not have them, install smoke alarms near your kitchen, on each level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
- Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.
- Do not wear loose clothes or sleeves that dangle.
- Never leave the kitchen if you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you have to leave the room, turn off the stove.
- Regularly check food that you are simmering, baking, roasting, or broiling.
- Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
- Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area.
- Be sure to keep items that can catch fire away from anything in the kitchen that generates heat – pot holders, oven mitts, towels, wooden utensils, bags.
- Clean cooking surfaces to remove grease buildup.
- Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are off.
Safety on the Road
- Check your car to make sure it is in good condition for a road trip.
- Pack an emergency preparedness kit, supplies, and a first aid kit.
- Share travel plans with a family or friend.
- Check the weather before leaving for your destination and plan travel around inclement weather.
- Be well rested and alert.
- Buckle up, slow down, and don’t drive impaired.
- Follow the rules of the road and use caution in work zones.
- Avoid distracted driving and use of cell phones while behind the wheel.
- Make frequent stops. Rotate drivers during long trips. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
- In the event of car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible to stay clear of heavy holiday traffic.
