Nothing is better than having a warm meal with your loved ones and celebrating all the things you are grateful for in life. The traveling and cooking associated with Thanksgiving, however, can be dangerous.
Fortunately, the Law Offices of Charles R. Gueli has some tips and tricks to help you practice Thanksgiving holiday safety.
Holiday Travel
If you are going to visit friends are relatives this holiday season, keep safety in mind. Before you leave home, make sure all your windows and doors are locked, set your lights on timers, and equip your security alarm system, if you have one. Let a trusted friend or neighbor know that you will be out of town but keep that information off social media.
You can also hire a house sitter or ask a neighbor to collect your mail while you are gone.
Traveling by Car
Thanksgiving road trips can be a blast, but a flat tire, heavy traffic, or bad weather can ruin the fun. If you are traveling by car, be sure to:
- Have your car inspected before the trip
- Pack an emergency kit
- Check weather conditions
- Get plenty of rest the night before your trip
- Leave early to avoid traffic congestion
- Drive during the day (and avoid night driving if possible)
- Buckle up
- Drive defensively
- Be courteous to other drivers
- Take breaks
- Secure your pets
- Keep your kids entertained
- Stay focused
- NEVER drink and drive
Remember that other drivers may not be as careful as you. Look out for dangerous driving behaviors, and if someone causes a car accident, do not hesitate to contact our firm for legal help!
Traveling by Air
The COVID-19 pandemic is still happening, so be safe about air travel. Check the infection rates at your destination and all travel guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before booking your trip.
If you haven’t already, now is a perfect time to get vaccinated. If you were vaccinated more than 6 months ago, consider getting your booster before your trip.
On the day of your flight, give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport and get through security, pack hand sanitizer, and wear a mask as instructed by airport personnel and flight staff.
Thanksgiving at Home
Hosting a Thanksgiving feast is a true joy, especially when you keep your kitchen safe from fire hazards and other threats.
If you’re cooking a turkey this Thanksgiving, give your bird plenty of time to thaw under refrigeration before basting it and warming up the oven. You should also make sure you have an easily accessible fire extinguisher in your kitchen – and that you know how to use it. Test your smoke alarms, as well.
When you start cooking:
- Avoid loose clothing or dangling sleeves
- Move flammable items away from the stove
- Keep your cooking space clear (including the floor)
- Stay in the home whenever your oven is on
- Check on your turkey frequently (set timers to remind yourself)
- Stay in the kitchen whenever you are cooking on the stovetop
- Keep pot handles turned inward or to the rear of the stove
- Keep children and pets away from the stove (at least 3 feet away at all times)
- Be careful with hot foods and liquids
- Keep knives away from children
- Do not use a turkey fryer indoors and be knowledgeable and careful if you choose to use a turkey fryer outdoors
Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment, so be safe the entire time you are cooking.
When serving the meal, alert your guests of any allergens in the food, and after everyone has eaten, store leftovers quickly to avoid food poisoning. Perishable items should be refrigerated within 2 hours.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
Car crashes, defective products, and other emergencies can ruin a perfectly good holiday. If you or a loved one gets hurt because of someone else’s carelessness, you may be entitled to compensation.
The Law Offices of Charles R. Gueli is here for you 24/7 – even over Thanksgiving weekend.
If something goes wrong, and you need legal help, do not hesitate to call us at (516) 628-6402 or send us a message online.