News release from the American Red Cross:
American Red Cross Offers Thanksgiving Cooking and Travel Tips
(November 25, 2013) – Millions of Americans will be preparing meals and traveling throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The American Red Cross has safety tips for the kitchen and for the highway.
“More home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year,” said Katherine MacAulay, Executive Director for the Northeast Indiana Chapter of the American Red Cross. “The week of Thanksgiving is also one of the busiest travel periods. We want people to arrive at their destinations, enjoy time with their loved ones and make it home safely.”
COOKING SAFETY
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and related injuries. Follow these safety tips:
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the cooking area.
- Clean all cooking surfaces to prevent grease buildup.
- Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling or broiling food. Turn burners off if leaving the kitchen.
- Keep a pan lid or baking sheet nearby. Use it to cover the pan if it catches on fire.
- Place turkey fryers outside and away from the house, deck and garage.
TRAVEL SAFETY
Vehicles should be in good working order before heading out. Remember to:
- Pack emergency supplies like blankets, water and snacks, flashlight and first aid kit.
- Fill the fuel tank, check air pressure in tires and top-off windshield fluid.
- Buckle up and obey all traffic signs.
- Avoid distractions while driving like using mobile phones to talk or text.
- Designate a driver who won’t be drinking whenever alcohol is served.
The Red Cross has a variety of emergency supplies and first aid kits available at redcrossstore.org.
KNOW HOW TO TREAT EMERGENCIES
People can learn how to respond to emergencies by downloading the free American Red Cross First Aid App. Users receive instant access to expert advice whenever and wherever they need it. The app is available in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org.
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