Safety Share: Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to spend time with the people we love. It can also be crazy and hectic. AAA estimates that 54.3 million Americans will be on the roads and in the skies this year, the most since 2005. Thanksgiving can be a busy day for fire departments too, with more cooking-related house fires occurring than on any other day. However, with some simple precautions, Thanksgiving can be a great time spent with loved ones. Here are some Thanksgiving tips that will keep your holiday weekend safe and fun.

Traveling

Check your tire pressure before you depart, which can fluctuate in the colder months.

If traffic stresses you out, plan your route to avoid larger cities during peak driving hours if possible. Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend tends to be the busiest day, since most people are returning home that day.

Have an emergency kit and drive extra cautiously in bad weather (there is a small chance of rain in northern Nevada Thanksgiving weekend).

With so many extra drivers on the road, it’s important to pay attention and not drive distracted. Getting to your destination safely is the most important thing, even if it means your co-pilot is in charge of the music.

Watch for children in neighborhoods.

Of course, never drive impaired.

Cooking

Thanksgiving is one of the peak days of the year for house fires (over 4,000 a year on average). Don’t leave food unattended, and know what you’re doing if you plan on using a turkey fryer.

Keep a fire extinguisher near any cooking area.

Avoid putting anything that could catch fire, like oven mitts or paper products on warm cooking surfaces.

Make sure your smoke detector is functioning.

When the night is over, ensure the fireplace and any burning candles are extinguished.

Be thankful for Nevada miners

Whether driving your car, flying in a plane, or enjoying a tasty beverage with your crazy uncle, you use 20+ miners the hard working men and women of Nevada mining produce everyday. Without Nevada mining, our modern society simply wouldn’t exist. Be sure to thank a miner!

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!