The Thanksgiving holiday means turkey and travel for millions of Americans, but Red Cross officials say it also brings a greater risk of accidents, both in the kitchen and on the road,
“Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and related injuries, and more home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year,” said Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County branch manager for the Red Cross. “Thanksgiving week is also one of the busiest travel periods, calling for extra caution on the road. We want people to arrive at their destinations, enjoy time with their loved ones, and make it home safely.”
Knorr offered the following safety tips for holiday cooking from the Red Cross: Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the cooking area; clean all cooking surfaces to prevent grease buildup; stay in the kitchen while cooking and turn burners off if leaving the kitchen; and keep a pan lid or baking sheet nearby to cover the pan if it catches on fire. She also suggested placing turkey fryers outside and away from the house, deck and garage.
In the area of road safety, vehicles should be kept in good working order, Knorr added. She recommended that travelers fill the fuel tank, check air pressure in tires, and top off windshield fluid before heading to their destinations, and should pack emergency supplies, such as blankets, water and snacks, a flashlight and a first aid kit.
The Red Cross has a variety of emergency supplies and first aid kits available at RedCrossStore.org, she said.
Knorr also urged drivers not to drive when tired, to avoid distractions while driving such as talking or texting, to obey all traffic signs and speed limits, and to designate a driver who won’t be drinking whenever alcohol is served.
For more information on how to respond to emergencies, the Red Cross offers a free first aid application. Those interested may visit the Web site redcross.org/ mobileapps.
