Home fires and injuries peak during the holidays. In 2014, according to the National Fire Protection Association, home fires related to cooking were 4 times higher on Thanksgiving. It’s for that reason DeMayo Law Offices offers the below tips and information that can keep you and your family safe during Thanksgiving preparations and holiday festivities.
It’s Not Thanksgiving Without a Turkey
Unattended equipment is the leading cause of cooking fires. Whether you prefer your bird roasted, smoked, or deep fried, the number one reason these turkeys catch fire is because they’re left unattended.
While all unattended cooking can be dangerous, deep frying a turkey is considered the most problematic, especially among novice home cooks.
If you plan to deep fry a turkey this year, plan to do so outside. It’s recommended to purchase a fryer specifically manufactured to handle the size and weight of a turkey; however, people often just use a heavy pot and cooking oil. While not ideal, this method of cooking can be safe when accompanied by the proper cooking equipment.
If you plan to deep fry a turkey this year, be prepared with the following equipment:
- Large, heavy pot with tight-fitting lid
- Mental tongs or large hook to safely lower turkey into hot oil
- Thermometer with a pot clip
- Heavy-duty oven mitts
- Baking soda or all-purpose flour
- A shirt with long sleeves to protect skin from splatter
Remember: never leave a deep fryer unattended, even if it’s outside.
Grease fires can’t be extinguished with water. Instead, use the lid to smother the flames or cover the fire with baking soda or flour. If the fire continues to spread, don’t attempt to fight the fire or move the pot or fryer – call 911 and wait for the fire department.
For a free legal consultation, call (877) 333-1000
It’s Not Thanksgiving without Friends and Family
One of the best things about Thanksgiving is reconnecting with friends and family. This means preparing the home for your company days, or sometimes weeks, in advance and often includes invitations to the elderly who are at a higher risk of falling compared to other adults.
Areas that receive snowfall or extreme cold weather in November should be careful to avoid common hazards around the house and property.
Slip and falls, trips, and even dog bites pose potential problems for families hosting during the holidays.
Follow the tips below to prevent accidents from happening around the house:
- Sweep/shovel sidewalks, driveways, and walkways to ensure an easy path
- Fix uneven walkways or stairs
- Make sure all indoor and outdoor lighting is working properly
- Keep rock salt or ice melt handy
- Make sure sharp or dangerous objects are kept out of reach of small children
- Keep pets (especially young or unpredictable animals) secured in an area away from guests or visitors
Accidents happen for a number of unpredictable reasons, however, we can mitigate these risks by keeping a property clean and organized.
It’s Not Thanksgiving Without a Thank You
Let’s not lose focus of the holiday during a frenzy of preparations. Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, so we’d like to take a moment and thank you for your support and wish you a safe and memorable holiday!
And while we hope you don’t ever need our services, please know that we’re here for you if you ever do. From everyone at DeMayo Law Offices, thank you for making us one of North Carolina’s most trusted personal injury firms.
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