Characterized by family reunions, Thanksgiving Day is a special day in the US. Surprisingly, it is also one of the most dangerous days in the US, too, thanks to all the cooking and consumption of alcohol that happens on this day. To give you an idea, according to the US Fire Administration, more than 2,000 fire accidents occur each Thanksgiving Day. With this in mind, here are five safety tips for homeowners to keep you and your loved ones safe during this year's Thanksgiving holiday.
Thanksgiving Safety Tips - Prevent Food Poisoning
One of the overlooked dangers during Thanksgiving Day is food poisoning. To curb the risk of food poisoning, wash your hands, fruits, and vegetables thoroughly and sanitize food preparation surfaces. Additionally, to avoid serious health conditions such as salmonella poisoning. Ensure you defrost, thaw, and cook your turkey properly. If you have any leftovers, store them properly, preferably within two hours of cooking. You can use various online resources, including the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), to learn more about food handling.
Thanksgiving Safety Tips - Fry your Thanksgiving Turkey Outdoors
Per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), deep-fryer fires are the second most common types of fires on Thanksgiving Day, which is because fried turkey is a Thanksgiving staple in the US. To avoid causing a deep-fryer fire, fry your turkey outdoors, but do not leave it unattended for long periods. Additionally, have a fire extinguisher nearby.
Thanksgiving Safety Tips - Install a Good Home Security System
Break-ins tend to increase during the holiday season because burglars know people are less likely to be at home. Therefore, upgrade your home security system, if necessary. If you decide to travel during Thanksgiving Day, install lights on timers, and set your burglar alarm accordingly. Additionally, let your trustworthy neighbors know when you will return so they can alert the police in case of suspicious activities around your home.
Thanksgiving Safety Tips - Prevent Cuts and Lacerations
Since Thanksgiving typically involves preparing large quantities of food, many people, including novices, handle sharp kitchen utensils and cutlery, including shark knives. For this reason, cuts and laceration are some of the most common injuries on Thanksgiving Day. Of course, other sharp objects, such as sharp turkey bones, can cause such injuries, too. One way to minimize such accidents is to ensure everyone on cooking duty is sober. Additionally, to avoid distraction-related injuries, only people on cooking duty should be in the kitchen. When carving the turkey, use an electric knife or a sharp knife because it is less likely to slip.
Use these safety tips for homeowners to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during Thanksgiving. For extra peace of mind, purchase the right
homeowners' insurance coverage. To learn more about
home insurance coverage and get your free quote, call
CF&P Insurance Brokers today at (925) 956-7700.
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