Thanksgiving Safety 101

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Do you know who you are celebrating with this year? Do you know what you’re going to do to make sure that everyone in your celebration is as safe as can be? Before you take off running with your Thanksgiving plans, first check out this quick list of Thanksgiving safety tips.

7 Thanksgiving safety tips to keep in mind this year are:

1. Practice coronavirus safety: During the coronavirus pandemic, the first thing you should think about is how to keep people safe from the spread of this dangerous virus. Wash your hands often by using warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Family members who have not been fully vaccinated should celebrate remotely from their own homes.
2. Use a meat thermometer: Everyone loves Thanksgiving turkey, but only when it has been cooked correctly and safely. Invest in a good meat thermometer that you know how to read clearly. Do not serve any turkey that has not reached at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit for several minutes or longer.
3. Keep an eye on candles: Fire hazards are a serious issue during the holidays, especially around Thanksgiving when people want to create a cozy atmosphere in their homes. Never light a candle near a flammable object. Never leave a candle unattended, even for a few minutes. Never place a candle where children and pets can reach it.
4. Allow only adults in the kitchen: You should keep your kitchen relatively clear and empty while you are in the process of cooking Thanksgiving dinner. Children are more likely to not be aware of their surroundings in the kitchen and could bump into someone using a knife or a hot appliance. If kids are going to help with dinner, then they should work on the dining room table or elsewhere with food that they can safely prepare, liking mashing potatoes or stirring up some whipped cream.
5. Research the Heimlich maneuver: At least two adults in your Thanksgiving party should be comfortable with performing the Heimlich maneuver. There are different techniques based on the age of the individual who is choking. See if there are first aid safety courses in your area that you can take to learn how to perform this lifesaving technique from an expert.
6. Throw away table scraps: Fido and Fluffy might beg for table scraps because Thanksgiving dinner is just that delicious, but they really shouldn’t get any. Be careful with what you feed your pets off your plate. Some seasonings and ingredients can be poisonous to them. For example, onions on a casserole can be harmful to dogs. You should also not give any pets turkey bones, which are a serious choking hazard.
7. Never wine and drive: Most people like celebrating Thanksgiving with a glass of wine, maybe even mulled wine. But don’t lose track of who is drinking and who is driving later that night. You should never have alcohol before driving. Even one glass of wine is dangerous if you don’t wait several hours to sober up completely.

You should now feel pretty ready to celebrate Turkey Day the right way. Our team from the Law Offices of Wax & Wax in California wishes you and your family a great, safe, and fun Thanksgiving!