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Thanksgiving is almost here and across the country, Americans are gearing up for one of the most spectacular feasts of the year. While Thanksgiving brings family and friends together for laughter and good food, it’s important to remember the risks that are associated with the activities of the day. Here are a few safety reminders from fryer and fire safety to food poisoning and travel.

Road Safety

Wherever you plan to have Thanksgiving, whether with family or friends, you have to get there first and we’d all like to do so safely. The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel times of the year. 

Here are a few tips to insure you don’t miss out on your Thanksgiving meal with family and friends.

• Prep your vehicle the day before to make sure it is road-ready. Top off the fluids and check the tire pressure. Check the spare too! Start the trip with a full tank of gas.
• Don’t drink and drive. Plan ahead if you’re going to partake in more than the turkey by designating a driver or utilizing Uber, Lyft or a taxi.
• Try to travel outside the busiest days, which are the Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving Day.
• Watch out for deer. Be mindful of road hazards. 
• If you are flying, pack smart and plan ahead. 

Food Safety

Following these food safety tips from FoodSafety.gov and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission can help keep your meal safe from bacteria and your family and friends from getting sick:

• A 20-pound frozen turkey can take up to five days to thaw out so be sure to plan ahead.
• Place a pan under your Turkey as it defrosts to catch any juices and keep refrigerated until ready to cook. If fridge space is limited a cooler of ice may help with extra space for the day.
• The internal temperature of a turkey needs to be 165°F. See a Turkey roasting chart HERE
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours after serving

Fire Safety 

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are three times as many fires reported on Thanksgiving than on a normal day. 

Here a few simple ways to avoid fires:

• Never leave food, grease, or oils cooking on the stove-top unattended.
• Don’t use ice or water to cool down oil or put out an oil fire
• Keep an extinguisher approved for cooking or grease fire nearby.
• In the event of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• Keep oven mitts, towels, potholders and other flammable items away from stove.
• Keep children and pets out of the kitchen. Not only can they risk getting hurt, they also pose a tripping hazard to those cooking on a busy day in the kitchen. 
• Re-think long sleeves and jackets while cooking as they can catch fire more easily.
• Face pot handles towards the rear of the stove to prevent them from being knocked over.

Home Liability

Maybe it’s your house that everyone is coming to this holiday season. Here are a few things you can do to help prevent a claim against your home.

• Secure pets in a contained location, to avoid innocent, but potentially serious, accidents.
• Block off fireplaces and/or furnaces from small children.
• Clear paths and walkways that lead to your home from tripping hazards.
• Store risky items, such as medicines, chemicals and small choking hazards, out of reach or lock them in a cabinet.
• Safety covers for electrical outlets are an easy fix to a potentially big problem, especially if young visitors are expected.

On behalf of the agents and staff at Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance, we hope you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday.