Thanksgiving has been an American tradition for many, many years. It is a day of celebrating the harvest and blessings of the past year. The day is celebrated with a traditional feast consisting of turkey, potatoes, stuffing, cranberries, and pumpkin pie. It is celebrated every fourth Thursday of November when families gather for Thanksgiving dinner. Aside from the United States, Canada celebrates it every second Monday in October.
Family members travel across the country to celebrate this important day with their families. They gather and prepare meals together for Thanksgiving dinner. According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), it is reported that there are as many as three times more fires during Thanksgiving than on any other day. The reason for this is the fact that there are more cooks in the kitchen, so to speak. Everyone is busy preparing food that the kitchen stove is working overtime. Too much heat and sometimes carelessness can result in fire.
Safety Tips
- Stay in the kitchen when you have something on the stove cooking. Avoid multitasking by leaving the kitchen to do something else.
- Turkey takes time to cook; some people habitually leave it in the oven and run errands, leaving your kitchen vulnerable.
- Never leave young children in the kitchen, especially if they are running around the house.
- Ensure that pot holders or other flammable materials are at least 3 feet from the stove or hot surfaces.
- Keep matches and kitchen lighters away from children.
- Never douse water on a grease fire. Doing so will only spread the fire more.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Make sure that you or someone around knows how to use it.
- Make sure that your fire alarms are connected and working.
If you are traveling to visit family and friends, checking on your vehicle thoroughly before leaving for the holidays is always a good idea. The National Safety Council NSC reports that more than 400 people are more likely to die during Thanksgiving than on any other holiday due to traffic collisions.
Driving Risks During Happy Thanksgiving Day
Intoxicated Drivers
Holidays are always the best time to drink. A few sips here and there, and when it is time to head home, you are already intoxicated. And when drunk drivers are in charge of driving, there is a possibility that you can get into an accident.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Make sure that you have a designated driver. Someone who doesn’t drink. If there is none, be mindful of your consumption. You should know your limits and stop if you have had enough.
Speeding
After a day of fun and feasts, you will be too tired and can’t wait to get home. There will be fewer cars outside, and you think that speeding a little will get you home faster. You step on the gas a little more complicated and speed up, not realizing that there may be a car heading your way or someone is crossing the street and you can’t press on the brakes in time,
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Rest before you start heading home. Getting a little snooze before you leave is wise to stay alert on the road. Chances are, everybody will be asleep in the car. Turn on your radio, relax and follow the speed limit.
Texting While Driving
Any distraction while driving is another sure way to get into an accident. Texting is number one on the list. There have been many accidents caused by a few seconds of distraction.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: If you need to text or reply to someone, ask your passenger to do it for you. If there is no one with you, you can stop on the side road and send your text before you start driving again. If stopping is not an option, don’t text.
Unbuckled Drivers and Passengers
The problem with being in a car is you will never know when you will get into an accident. Many people have been saved just because they buckle their seatbelts properly.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Make sure you are adequately buckled before driving. If you have small children, ensure they are in their car seats with their seatbelts on.
Bad Weather
Rain, sleet, and snow over Thanksgiving are common in some states. Driving during this time is more dangerous because of visibility and slippery roads.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Wait until the weather clears before heading home. If you can stay at the place you’re at, spend the night and head home the next day or until the road is safer for driving.
Fire and car accidents are not the only unfortunate incidents during Thanksgiving. There are more reasons to stay alert during this holiday. Here are some more mishaps that can happen.
Sports Injuries
Playing around during Thanksgiving is another way people are admitted to emergency rooms. Playing baseball, basketball, and football in the backyard are accident-prone activities during get-togethers. Studies show that finger and knee injury is the most common for 25 to 40-year-old men.
To avoid a trip to the emergency room or reduce the risk of injury, you need to:
- Wear the right gear. Even playing in the backyard, you must have the right equipment to protect you.
- Avoid unsafe areas. Ensure your backyard is well-lit and clear of any debris and clutter that can get in the way during playtime.
- Do not play if you are already injured. Sports-related activities can pressure your pain and cause more harm than good.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Crowded shopping centers are potential hazards during Thanksgiving weekend, especially on Black Friday. More crowds mean busier employees. Spills and debris are not likely to be cleaned up as quickly as they should, and slipping or falling can cause serious injuries.
To avoid accidents during your shopping spree, be mindful of the crowd. Steer clear of supermarkets and stores that are overcrowded. Choose shops with more than an adequate number of employees and a first aid team on the grounds. Plan your shopping. Get what you need and leave Immediately. Window shopping can be set for another day.
Over Fatigue
The excitement caused by the Thanksgiving holiday can make a person stressed out. Many things happened during this time, and you are expected to spread yourself too thin to make sure that your day of thanks will be perfect. You make a list, check it twice, and go around buying and preparing everything you need.
However, you must keep your sanity intact to enjoy it during the holiday. Make sure that you assign chores and grocery shopping if possible. Take a rest every now and then to keep your strength up. You can do things together as a family and enjoy the feast without the stress.
Vacationing During Thanksgiving
Not everyone enjoys the preparation that goes with celebrating Thanksgiving. Others opt to go to the beach, travel out of state, or cruise. These out-of-home trips are good and enjoyable but not without risks as well.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable vacation, you can do the following:
1. At the Beach
- Follow the rules and regulations at the beach.
- Avoid drinking alcohol too much if you plan to swim
- Know where the lifeguard stations are located
- Be aware of your surroundings
- If you have children with you, know where they are at all times
- Have a designated spot in case someone gets lost.
2. Overseas Travel
- Learn about the state or country of your destination
- Make an itinerary and learn about the area where you plan to visit
- Keep copies of essential documents.
- Book a decent hotel or vacation house and ensure that all your companions always have the address with them.
- Avoid seedy and high-traffic areas
- Never go with strangers anywhere.
- Avoid traveling at night if you are unsure of the area
- Always lock your doors and check where fire exits are situated
- Bring your travel insurance details with you at all times.
3. Cruise
- Attend the safety drill and listen to instructions
- Avoid bringing too much cash. Pre-pay everything if you can.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Know where safety exits are and avoid too much crowd. Make sure your cabin is equipped with life jackets.
- Avoid too much alcohol.
- Stay hydrated
- Wear proper outfits and footwear
- Stay vigilant and avoid accident-prone areas
Thanksgiving is a day of gratitude. It is celebrated for a purpose. It is also a time to celebrate a fruitful year with family and friends. The food preparations, gathering at the dinner table, or even traveling for a vacation during this time is best with your loved ones.
To ensure you are all safe and happy during Thanksgiving, always be alert and steer clear of accidents and injuries by being cautious, vigilant, and guarded every time. Be safe, and enjoy the holidays!
Contact us at Advantage Insurance Solutions in Denver, CO, for your insurance needs!