Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Posted by Geri Ventura -

As many of you gear up to spend time with friends and family, you need to be careful as Thanksgiving can be quite dangerous.

Statistics show that 50% of all holiday fires start in kitchen.

In addition, Thanksgiving is also one of the biggest traveled holidays on the roadways and many accidents occur while people drive impaired or tired.

In an effort to ensure you are safe, here are some suggestions to think about as you prepare for the long weekend ahead.

Thanksgiving Safety Tips:

• Start your holiday cooking with a clean stove and oven. Make sure any old grease or food spills are cleaned up to lessen the chance of a flare-up.


• If the contents in a pot or pan catch fire, do not touch or try to move the pot or pan as you may spread the fire or burn yourself. Extinguish the flames with a metal lid or larger pot.


• Keep kitchen clutter and loose clothing away from stove burners.


• Never use water on a grease fire. Extinguish the flames with a metal lid or larger pot.


• Click here to watch a video demonstration of putting out a stovetop fire.


• NEVER leave cooking food unattended.


• Turkey fryers are for outdoor use away from combustible structures.


• Click here to watch a video with a Turkey Fryer Demonstration from the Underwriters Laboratories.


• In the event of a fire or medical emergency, ALWAYS CALL 9-1-1.

DRIVING:

• Plan your trip and drive according to conditions- remember to have a passenger use the cell phone or utilize hands free utility! This largest traveled holiday accounts for the most fatalities.


• Wear your seat belt!!! Seat belts are proven to save lives and prevent injuries.


• Make sure children are secured in an approved child safety seat.


• Montecito Fire offers child safety seat installation. Call 969-7762 for an appointment.


• Get enough rest and don't try to drive when you would normally be asleep.


• If you need to make a phone call, pull off the road and keep your call short.


• Don't answer your cell phone while driving. In California IT'S THE LAW! Let your cell phone take a message and pull off the road to answer your calls.


• Don't text and drive!!! Taking your eyes off the road for just a second or two can have tragic consequences.


• Don't consume alcohol and drive!!

Montecito Fire wishes you a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

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