As the Thanksgiving holiday quickly approaches, we as Americans have many things to be thankful for. For example, we can be thankful for the methods of transportation that allow us to get to our families, whether by road, train, plane, or bus. The American Red Cross would like to provide you with travel tips so that you may arrive safely at your destination and celebrate this holiday with friends and family. Although your thoughts may be consumed with turkeys, we would also like to remind you of a few safety tips to use while preparing your Thanksgiving feast.
- Check food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking. Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on.
- Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
- Keep anything that can catch fire - pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from the stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
- Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
- Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen. Contact the local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
- Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
- Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on each level of the home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.