Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and friends, so it’s important to make sure you’re safe. Here are some tips for keeping yourself healthy and happy on this holiday:
Thanksgiving Safety Tips
1. Beware Of Cooking Fires
In the United States, Thanksgiving Day is the most common day for cooking fires.
Not only are more people at home and cooking than on other days of the year, it’s also because they’re cooking a greater amount of food than usual.
To help prevent a kitchen fire in your home this holiday season, follow these tips:
- If you’re frying, use a deep fryer or electric skillet instead of adding additional oil to a pan.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven temperature is set correctly before you bake or roast anything in it.
- Do not leave stoves unattended when using them. Turn off burners when leaving the room so that nothing can accidentally be left on and start a fire while you’re gone!
2. Drive Carefully
Whether you are traveling to visit family or friends, or driving around town to do some holiday shopping, it is important to remember that the roads are going to be busier than usual and there will likely be more distractions. In fact, traffic accidents have increased by approximately 13 percent during the Thanksgiving holidays compared with an average day in November.
- Stay on high alert for other drivers who may make dangerous decisions
- Don’t tailgate—leave plenty of space between your car and others
- Make sure you’re not distracted by your phone while driving; keep all electronic devices turned off during this busy time of year so they don’t distract you while on the road.
- Watch out for pedestrians walking near intersections (especially children)
3. Protect Your Homes From Break-Ins
- Don’t leave your home unlocked. If you’re leaving for vacation or visiting family for Thanksgiving, make sure that all of your doors and windows are locked.
- Don’t leave valuables out in plain sight. When you’re packing for a trip, put away valuable items like laptops and jewelry.
- Don’t leave your garage door open.
- Don’t leave car keys where they can be seen.
4. Be Mindful Of Your Health
More people visit the hospital on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year. This may be because you are more likely to eat too much food, which leads to high sodium intake; or it could be because you are more likely to get food poisoning from improperly cooked meats.
Whatever the reason, it’s important that you pace yourself when eating your delicious Thanksgiving meal:
- Eat small amounts throughout the day
- Check your meat is thoroughly cooked
- Practice good hygiene – regular wash your hands
5. Make Sure You’re Properly Insured
While we’re all excited for Thanksgiving, it’s important to remember that the holiday season can be dangerous if you don’t take the time to plan ahead.
Make sure that your home is safe before you go on vacation or visit family members this year. And if you do have a turkey-friendly recipe, check out some tips on how to prepare and cook one safely!
The best way to avoid a serious problem is to make sure you are properly insured.
Our team here at Henry Insurance is a trusted resource to our clients. Give us a call at 225-927-0451 and we’ll be happy to find the protection that’s right for you, no matter the circumstance.
