Thanksgiving Day is a joyous occasion where friends and family get together to celebrate good fortune while feasting on great food. At the dinner table, sometimes there are squabbles and, other times, fits of laughter as stories and debates are exchanged over mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey, cranberry sauce, and other hearty and delicious fare. All in all, Thanksgiving is a tradition that evokes camaraderie and encourages overeating.
However, good cheer and mirth can quickly turn to pain and panic when celebrants fail to adhere to certain safety guidelines.
According to data from the United States Fire Administration (USFA), nearly 2,000 residential fires break out every Thanksgiving Day. As a result of these fires, an estimated five deaths, 25 injuries, and more than $20 million in property damage and/or loss occur. Most are caused by mistakes made in cooking.
The preparation of food is central to the Thanksgiving experience, and it should remain that way; however, celebrants need to acknowledge the hazards involved in cooking and do their best to prevent accidents from happening so no one gets hurt.
- Do not ever leave food that’s cooking neglected for a considerable amount of time.
- Keep all flammable objects away from heat sources.
- If you are using cooking oil, do not heat it too quickly.
- Avoid wearing clothes with long and loose sleeves if you’re going to be cooking.
- Keep kids a good distance away from the stove and other areas that present burn hazards.
- If any small grease fires sprout up, smother them with a dependable lid.
- Do not forego calling emergency services if a significantly larger fire starts.
The experienced San Jose burn injury attorneys at Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys wish everybody a Happy Thanksgiving. We hope that your festivities are conducted safely and smoothly without incident. However, if you or a loved one is injured in an accident, please call us to receive help with recovery.