Simple Tips for the Best and Safest Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, food, and gratitude. There are a number of Thanksgiving holiday safety tips that can help ensure a happy and safe, festive celebration.

Kitchen Safety

• Keep children away from the stove.
• Do not leave the house while the turkey is cooking.
• Ensure the kitchen floor is kept clear and doesn’t have any trip hazards.
• Keep matches, lighters, candles, and knives out of the reach of children.

Thanksgiving is the #1 day of the year for cooking fires, reports State Farm insurance. The U.S. Fire Department confirms that more than 4,000 fires occur on Thanksgiving Day and preparing deep-fried turkeys, using a turkey fryer, is the cause of approximately 5 deaths, 50 injuries, and the destruction of 900 homes and more than $15 million in property damage every year.

Kitchen safety is even more important than usual during busy holiday times, like Thanksgiving, when more people might be working in the kitchen to prepare a large meal. But for casual cooks and experienced chefs alike, the kitchen presents more hazards than imagined. Read more about the most common ways kitchen tasks send people to the ER every day so you can plan your next family gathering to be even safer.

Food Safety

• Always wash your hands after handling raw or undercooked poultry.
• Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and produce to prevent cross-contamination.
• The USDA recommends cooking the turkey at a minimum of 325 degrees. Use a food thermometer and cook the turkey to an internal temperature of 165 to 180 degrees to ensure the turkey is cooked thoroughly and to avoid illness caused by consuming under-cooked poultry.
• Store leftovers within 2 hours or toss them.

Holiday Travel Safety

With Thanksgiving being one of the most travel-heavy times of the year, it is important to be prepared before hitting the road and to drive defensively, especially during bad weather.

Distracted Driving

Drivers who are texting take their eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds. Driving at 55 mph, that is about the length of a football field.

• Buckle up, every trip.
• Make sure your vehicle is well maintained.
• Plan your route ahead of time.
• Carry an emergency kit in the car.
• Be aware of weather conditions.
• Take caution in parking lots while out shopping.
• No texting while driving.

According to the National Highway Safety Association, more than 40% of holiday car accidents involve alcohol. Do not drive and drive.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or your loved one is injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, call our office right away. Our Alabama injury attorneys can review your case and give you an idea of whether you have a legal claim. Schedule your free initial consultation as soon as possible, and remember – you don’t pay a dime unless your case settles or is resolved.