Thanksgiving Tips: Cooking, Fire, Travel, and Health

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, good food, and quality time with loved ones. But amidst the holiday hustle and bustle, it’s essential to prioritize safety. From the kitchen to the road, and even to the germs that come with gathering, here’s how you can keep your celebration joyful and accident-free.

Stay Safe in the Kitchen

Thanksgiving meals often involve multiple dishes cooking at once, which can lead to potential hazards.

• Keep Watch: Never leave the stove or oven unattended while cooking. Keep timers handy to remind you when something is ready.
• Avoid Crowding: Keep kids and pets out of the kitchen to prevent accidents with hot surfaces, sharp tools, or boiling liquids.
• Use Tools Safely: Make sure knives are sharp to avoid slipping and always cut away from your body.
• Turkey Fryer Caution: If you’re deep-frying your turkey, set up outdoors, away from the house or flammable materials, and never overfill the fryer with oil.

Fire Safety: Be Prepared and Proactive

Holiday cooking is a leading cause of home fires. Stay vigilant to avoid accidents.

• Smoke Alarms: Test all smoke detectors before Thanksgiving and replace batteries if needed.
• Keep Extinguishers Nearby: Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it. A grease fire should never be doused with water; cover it with a lid or use baking soda.
• Candle Safety: If you’re using candles for ambiance, place them out of reach of children and pets, and never leave them unattended. Consider battery-operated candles as a safe alternative.

Travel Safely to Your Gathering

Many families hit the road to celebrate Thanksgiving, and holiday travel can bring extra challenges.

• Plan Ahead: Check traffic and weather conditions before you leave. Give yourself plenty of time to avoid rushing.
• Drive Defensively: Watch for distracted drivers and keep a safe following distance.
• Emergency Kit: Pack an emergency kit with essentials like a flashlight, water, blankets, and a first-aid kit, especially if you’re traveling in winter weather.

Prevent the Spread of Germs

With family and friends gathering indoors, it’s important to keep everyone healthy.

• Hand Washing: Encourage frequent hand washing, especially before meals. Provide hand sanitizer in common areas for convenience.
• Food Safety: Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold to prevent foodborne illnesses. Use a thermometer to ensure turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
• If You’re Sick: If you or someone in your household isn’t feeling well, consider celebrating virtually or rescheduling your gathering to keep others safe.

Protect Your Home and Guests with the Right Coverage

Accidents can happen, even with the best precautions in place. From cooking fires to unexpected injuries, your home insurance should have you covered for the holiday season. At Sea Mountain Insurance, we’re here to review your policy and ensure you’re prepared for any surprises.