Many people enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving, but the holiday can be dangerous, too. The night before Thanksgiving is known as Blackout Wednesday and is one of the most popular nights for drinking – and DUIs. Thanksgiving itself is the peak day for home cooking fires, and Black Friday presents its own safety concerns in shops and online. In 2020, families even have to worry about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Fortunately, our team at May, Rammell & Wells collected some of the most prominent tips to help you stay safe!
Tip #1 – Take Extra Care Behind the Wheel
Many people travel by car during the Thanksgiving holiday, and Thanksgiving celebrations frequently involve alcohol. Remember that any amount of alcohol can impair your driving – and never get behind the wheel after drinking. While you’re driving, keep an eye out for drivers who are acting erratically. Stay out of their way, and if you spot a drunk driver, call 911 when it is safe for you to do so.
Tip #2 – Be Safe in the Kitchen
Most Thanksgiving fires are caused by unattended cooking. Stay in the kitchen when you have food cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food. If you have a turkey in the oven, stay in your home and check on it frequently. You should also be aware that Safety organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) “strongly discourage the use of turkey fryers,” which can cause serious burns and house fires.
If you have children, keep them out of the kitchen and at least 3 feet away from the stove at all times. Consider having activities like games, puzzles, and books to keep kids busy, or let them prepare recipes that don’t require heat or sharp knives. When cooking and setting the table, keep your floor clear of hazards like toys, coats, bags, and pets so you do not trip with hot food and liquids in your hands. You should also make sure your fire alarm is working, so you will know right away if something goes wrong. Before you start cooking, you can test them by pushing the ‘test’ button.
Tip #3 – Slow the Spread
Celebrating Thanksgiving may look a little different this year due to COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a helpful guide for celebrating the holiday and minimizing your risk of exposure to the virus. If possible, dine and socialize with members of your household, and if you attend a gathering, wear a mask, wash your hands often, stay 6 feet away from people who don’t live with you, and take extra precautions for people who are at higher risk of getting sick.
Tip #4 – Shop Online
Because of the pandemic, many shops are hosting their Black Friday sales online. Black Friday often inspires premises liability lawsuits, so shopping from home is the safest option all around.
When shopping online, stick to retailers you know and trust and research businesses you are unfamiliar with. Never commit to a deal that seems too good to be true, and make sure your internet connection and webpage is secure (your URL field should show a lock icon and the letters ‘https’) before making a purchase.
Tip #5 – Know Who to Call If Something Goes Wrong
No matter how safe you are, a negligent driver could cause a car crash, a defective product could cause a house fire, or some other accident or injury could occur. In addition to keeping safety in mind throughout the holiday, you should also know what to do if something goes wrong.
Call 911 and seek medical treatment in all emergency situations. Once you are feeling better, contact our attorneys at May, Rammell & Wells to discuss your rights and legal options during a consultation. We have 70+ years of experience handling cases like yours, so if someone ruins your holiday, pursue justice with our firm.
While we hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, you can always call us at (208) 623-8021 or contact us online if something goes wrong.