There is nothing like surrounding yourself with family and friends as you enjoy a home cooked meal, football, and fellowship together. We all look forward to the delicious meal, with all the fixings and trimmings, as well as the holiday décor and festive atmosphere. Don’t let your holidays be ruined by preventable accidents. We have compiled a few fire, cooking, pet, and travel tips to make your holiday a lot safer!
COOKING SAFETY
Never leave food unattended. Make sure to never leave the kitchen while food is cooking. Ask a friend or relative to keep an eye on things in the kitchen while you take a break.
Get your systems checked. Check and ensure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. If you are planning on leaving for the holiday, check your home security system too!
Have a fire extinguisher nearby. While we hope you never have to use it, ensure you have a fire extinguisher in an easy to access location in the event it is needed and be sure to get your portable fire extinguisher regularly inspected.
Roll up your sleeves. It is common to wear festive outfits for the holidays. Avoid loose clothing when cooking, especially near an open flame. Short sleeves or rolled up sleeves are best.
Supervise children or pets in the kitchen. Keep distractions to a minimum by limiting pets and children in the kitchen.
FOOD PREP SAFETY
Use a food thermometer to ensure meat or poultry is cooked to the specified safe temperature.
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours.
Thanksgiving leftovers are safe for up to four days in the refrigerator.
Bring sauces and gravies to a rolling boil when reheating.
When storing leftover turkey, cut the leftovers in small pieces. This will enable them to chill quicker.
Wash your hands frequently when handling poultry.
TURKEY FRYER SAFETY
Thaw and dry the turkey completely before cooking.
Place your fryer in an open area and away from any structure that can catch fire.
Have at a minimum, two feet of space between the fryer burner and the LP tank.
Position your fryer so that any wind will blow the heat of the fryer away from the LP tank.
Center the pot over the burner on the cooker.
ALWAYS follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the proper amount of oil to use.
Check the oil temperature often.
If you notice any smoke coming from the pot, turn off the burner immediately.
Lift and lower the turkey slowly to reduce splatter and avoid burns.
As a precaution, cover bare skin when adding or removing food.
PET SAFETY TIPS BROUGHT TO YOU BY OSCAR OUR SAFETY PUP
Food Safety. Avoid toxic foods such as chocolate, garlic, onion, turkey skin, and alcoholic drinks.
Kitchen safety. Keep your animals out of the kitchen to avoid accidents to you or your pet.
Decoration safety. Do not leave your pet unattended near lighted candles or toxic decorations.
Trash safety. Keep trash lid closed or locked and take the trash outside when full.
Travel safety. Harness your pet during travel and treat with meds if recommended and prescribed by your veterinarian for travel anxiety.
Costume safety. If you like to have turkey wear for your pet, make sure it is comfortable, does not have any choking hazards, and does not have any toxic materials.
Floral safety. Big NO to flowers like Autumn crocus, Chrysanthemum, or Acorns.
ROAD TRAVEL TIPS
Be patient. Do not speed, tailgate, or make unsafe lane changes. Follow road rules for speed limits and slowdown in road work zones.
Buckle up. Ensure that you and all of your passengers are buckled up. If traveling with children, make sure children under 13 are in the backseat and children in car seats are secure.
Drive sober. Don’t drive if you have been drinking. Designate a driver or use an Uber or taxi.
Plan ahead. Leave early to avoid rush hours and plan your route before you leave.
Take breaks. Stop regularly to take breaks to eat, stretch, and get fresh air. Don’t drive if you are tired. Let someone else drive who is rested or stop for the night at a hotel.
Watch for deer. They are most active in November.
Check your vehicle. Before heading out check your tires, fluid levels, and brakes. Ensure your vehicle is well maintained.
Home safety. Ensure before leaving that all door and windows are locked. Check your security system and enable before heading out.
Dress comfortable. Wear loose fitting or stretchy clothes that allow you to move freely.
Essentials. First aid kit, baby wipes, water, gum, tissues, blankets and pillows, extra bags for trash, hand sanitizer, and snacks are just a few things to have on hand to make your trip a little easier.
AIR TRAVEL TIPS
Avoid peak travel days. Airlines increase flight prices during peak travel seasons and holidays.
Fly direct. Flights that have layovers can be more problematic during holidays.
Pack light. Avoid checking bags and try to stick to carry-on luggage.
Protect yourself against infection. Bring sanitizer (3 ounces or less as allowed by TSA) and disinfecting wipes.
Be flexible on dates and airports. Search for flights using “flexible dates” to find the best price.
Plan for delays or cancellations. Have a contingency plan in the event of a delay or cancellation.
Take health precautions. Stay healthy before traveling to avoid catching a cold, flu, or other illness.
Plan regular breaks. Take breaks to stretch your legs.
Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Check airline status. Check airline apps or websites regularly for flight status updates.
Arrive early. Security checkpoint lines can take longer during holiday travel. Arrive early to avoid the stress of rushing to your gate.
Dress comfortable. Wear loose fitting or stretchy clothes that allow you to move freely. Avoid wearing clothing with excessive metal details, chunky jewelry, shoes with metal embellishments, or clothing with lots of metal fasteners, as these can all set off the metal detector and require additional screening.
From all of us at OSHANation, we wish you a safe, joyful, and Happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful for all of you who support our small business!
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