For the majority of Americans, Thanksgiving conjures up images of turkeys, family members, and days off from work. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving can take a dangerous turn if a cook leaves the stove unattended or forgetting to unplug the fryer. However, there are simple and effective steps, such as the four below, that you can take to ensure that everyone stays safe and healthy this holiday season.
- Pay Attention: When cooking, please focus most of your attention on a few tasks at a time. You will want to pay attention to items you are placing in the oven and on the stove, and Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to make use of the oven timer. Leaving food unattended can lead to fires and other catastrophes, and you will want most of your attention on your meal. Having too many guests in the kitchen at the same time can be distracting, so you will definitely want to limit the number of “helpers” you invite into the kitchen.
- Keep Fabrics and Flammables Away From Heat: When cooking, you will want to keep flammable items, such as fabrics away from burners and other heat sources. Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothes and placing items such as oven mitts, potholders, and recipe books near the stove. You will also want to tie up long hair as well.
- Don’t Drink and Cook at the Same Time: There is nothing wrong with enjoying a cocktail or beer during the holidays, but if you are in charge of preparing the meal, you will want to keep your consumption of alcohol to a minimum. Alcohol impairs memory, judgment, and coordination – three things you need to prepare a meal safely. If possible, delay your drinking until you are done cooking.
- Learn About Basic Fire Safety: Do you have a fire extinguisher in proximity to your cooking area? Do you know how to put out a grease fire? Before you start your cooking routine, be sure that you understand the basic tenets of fire safety. Never use water to put out a grease fire; use a fire extinguisher or put a lid on the pan to deprive the fire of oxygen. Make sure that the batteries in your smoke alarms are functional, and that you know how to use a fire extinguisher before the big day correctly.
Call Us
Avoiding burns at Thanksgiving is easier than most people think, but if you find yourself facing a disaster, don’t hesitate to contact an Alabama personal injury attorney at Guster Law Firm, LLC. We will fight for your rights and discuss the best legal actions to take. Call us today at (205) 581-9777