Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved holidays in America.  It is a day to reflect, give thanks, and spend time with family and friends.  What starts as a heartwarming day can also turn into one filled with heartache—whether you’re hosting or traveling. Ensure your holidays are happy by following some basic safety tips for cooking and traveling.

Atlantic Training, an organization that focuses on safety training, has created a comprehensive resource page providing safety tips to ensure “A Thanksgiving Feast Free of Threats.”  From turkey and kitchen safety to travel tips, Atlantic provides an easy to follow guideline.  Full details can be found at atlantictraining.com/safety-tips/thanksgiving-safety-tips.

TRAVEL TIPS 

Plan ahead. Know where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. Download the latest GPS data or obtain a new map. Check for construction detours and consult the weatherman.

Don’t post news that you’re out of town, particularly not online on social networks which are open to the public.

Lower the volume on your telephone ringer; no need to imply you’re away with the chiming of repeated rings.

Leave your keys and responsibilities with a trusted neighbor or friend; have them pick up mail and deliveries, and occasionally move your parked car around. Don’t hide your keys outside; burglars will enjoy hunting for them.

Secure doors and windows; eliminate ladders or house-hugging tree limbs to make sure there’s no easy access to upstairs windows.

Operate lights with a timer so you’ve always got something lit at night.

Invest in a security alarm system— which is a fantastic idea anyway!

KITCHEN SAFETY TIPS

Never leave your food unattended while frying or grilling.

Never use a glass casserole or lid on the stove or burner, as it may explode from the heat.

Avoid dangling accessories or loose clothes around kitchen fires.

Never douse a grease fire with water, as the fire can thus spread. Turn off the burner, smother the flames with a lid (wearing an oven mitt!), or douse with baking soda or a fire extinguisher if it’s getting out of hand.

If deep-frying your turkey, keep the fryer outside, away from walls, and free from moisture.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen and know how to use it.