Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Pennsylvania Travelers and Hosts

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Attorney Grant Travis | Travis Law Firm | Personal Injury Attorney, DUI Defense Attorney, Criminal Defense Attorney | Serving Erie, Crawford, Warren & all of Northwestern PA | Call the Travis Law Firm at 814-277-2222 today!

Do you plan to travel during the Thanksgiving holiday or are you hosting a huge family celebration at home? In either case, it is important for you to take steps to ensure you and your family have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Below are some safety tips from our Erie personal injury attorneys. The Travis Law Firm wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and a safe holiday.

Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Travelers

Millions of Americans will be on the road over the long Thanksgiving weekend. If you are traveling by car this holiday, we offer the following suggestions for a safe and enjoyable road trip:

  • Check weather conditions before leaving home. If you will be driving through areas with snow and ice, make sure you change to winter weather tires and have chains and other equipment in the vehicle in case your vehicle becomes stuck in the snow.
  • Leave as early as possible to allow yourself extra time to reach your destination. There is likely to be traffic jams along the way that will slow down your progress.
  • If you are traveling with children, be prepared to stop frequently for bathroom breaks. Try to have several options for children to entertain themselves during the trip.
  • When traveling with pets, you need to secure your pets in a crate or harness. You can purchase special safety belts for pets at many pet stores or online.
  • Make sure to check your emergency car kit to ensure you have all the supplies you may need in the event you are stranded.
  • Program your GPS before you leave. Put down the cell phone and other devices to focus on driving. Allow a passenger to handle setting or changing the radio and GPS.
  • Have your car inspected and serviced before heading out on a holiday road trip. A well-maintained car is less likely to break down during your trip.

Safety Tips for Thanksgiving Hosts

If you are hosting a meal or gathering in your home, it is important to remember basic food safety procedures. Always serve cold food and hot food at the correct temperatures. Do not allow children in the kitchen and take precautions to avoid food-borne illnesses. Kitchen fires are common during the holidays.  Make sure you have a fire extinguisher and never leave the stove or oven unattended.

Many people enjoy alcoholic beverages during the Thanksgiving holiday. If you serve alcohol during your meal or gathering, you should watch for any guests who may have too much to drink. Never allow a guest to drink and drive. For large gatherings, hiring a bartender can help you watch for guests who are intoxicated. Also, serving coffee and non-alcoholic beverages during the last two hours of your gathering can also help reduce the chance a guest will drive while impaired.

If you have pets or small children at your gathering, you should clear away any decorations that could be dangerous or pose a choking hazard. It is helpful to have a safe room for children to gather and play during the gathering. You can arrange to rotate several adults to supervise children so that parents can enjoy themselves.