Courtesy: USDA |
Despite these alarming statistics, these incidents can be prevented. CDC offers tips on how to cook safely and prevent food-related illnesses with proper preparation techniques. FEMA offers a series of handouts on safe cooking and how to prevent kitchen fires, as well as a video on the hazards of deep-frying a turkey. USDA also offers this infographic on turkey preparation.
In addition, Atlantic Training offers a series of safety tips related to cooking. The firm also recommends that consumers keep a fire extinguisher handy, make sure smoke detectors are working properly, and check that potential hazards such as candles and fireplaces are extinguished after a holiday party. The company also offer valuable holiday travel safety tips such as planning ahead with a GPS; refraining from posting your out-of-town status across social media; securing doors and windows; and investing in a security alarm system. AAA suggests that those traveling together decide on a designated driver, or plan for a sober ride home through friends and family, public transit or ridesharing apps like Uber or Lyft.
Hazards do not take a break for the holidays. Celebrate safely this season.