COVID-19 Considerations
While traditional Thanksgiving Holidays have included large gatherings of family and friends this year, in light of COVID-19, we may need to consider smaller celebrations. Federal, state, and local officials are encouraging us to limit this year’s festivities to those people in our immediate households. However, if you plan to celebrate with people outside your household, consider taking these steps to stay safer this year:
More information can be found at the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/thanksgiving.html
Cooking Safety
Many of us are familiar with the saying “The kitchen is the heart of the home.” And that is very much the case during Thanksgiving as we all usually end up in the kitchen! Adults and kids alike love to be part of the action. Safety in the kitchen is important, especially during times when there is a lot going on and perhaps, more people in the kitchen.
Did you know that cooking fires in residential buildings occurred more often on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year? The average number of reported residential building fires on Thanksgiving Day was more than double (2.3 times more) the average number of fires in residential buildings on all days. Cooking was, by far, the leading cause of all Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings.
Follow these kitchen/cooking safety tips to stay safer this Thanksgiving, and any time you cook:
Candle Safety
Did you know that December is the peak time of year for home candle fires? Three of every five home candle fires happen when a candle is placed too close to something that can burn and more than one-third of home candle fires started in the bedroom.
While candles may be part of your religious celebrations, or you may just like the ambiance of candles, there are several considerations to keep in mind with open flame candles:
General Fire Safety
Smoke Alarms • It is important to install smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and in the basement. • Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working. • Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old. (Look on the back of your smoke alarms for the date; if it is 10 years old replace it.)
Escape Planning • Make a home escape plan with your family that includes two ways out of every room. • Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet in case of emergency. • Practice your home fire drill twice a year, at night and during the day with everyone in your home. • If the smoke alarm sounds, family members should get outside and stay outside. Call 9-1-1 from outside your home.
Communicating with Loved Ones • While your family is together celebrating the holidays decide on an emergency safe meeting place. • Talk to your family over the dinner table about where to meet during an emergency. • Give the gift of communication this holiday with Family Emergency Communication Plan wallet cards: https://www.ready.gov/collection/family-communication-plan
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