Plainfield, NJ: The Tri-County Red Cross wants to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Here are some health and safety tips applicable to this holiday and throughout the year:
Fire Safety is always important, and especially during the holidays...
- Don't leave the turkey (or any other foods) cooking unattended. Also be sure that pot handles are turned inward - away from the front of the stove so small children don't try and reach up to pull something down on them.
- Be very careful with deep-fryers and turkeys. Follow all the directions and warnings, stay way away from your house and any overhanging roofs or material that could catch on fire. Have an ABC fire extinguisher ready and don't try this alone. Many fires start when people try this the first time and they don't follow all the proper safety steps.
- Keep an eye on candles and fireplaces - especially around children and pets. Make sure they are fully extinguished before leaving the room unattended or going to bed.
- Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors today. If you have one near the kitchen and it goes off while you are cooking - don't take the battery out. Chances are you may forget to put it back in. Remove the smoke detector and put it on your pillow in your bedroom. This will remind you to put it back when you go to bed - if not sooner.
Don't let the flu ruin your holiday...
- If you are travelling and feel sick, seriously consider staying home. If you have the flu, its a good chance you can spread it to others and you will feel miserable doing so.
- Wash your hands with soap and water (or 60% alchohol hand sanitizer) frequently when travelling, as there will be people all around you who do not follow our first tip.
- At family gatherings, try and cut down on the handshaking and the PDAs. Now is a good time for your family and friends to learn the art of bowing.
- Bring lots of tissues - for your own coughs and sneezes and to offer to others for theirs. The guidebooks all say to sneeze into the inside of your elbow or arm if you don't have a tissue, which is why we think you should carry some with you so you don't have to do this.
Our office will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and the Friday afterwards. In the event of an emergency, you can still reach us at (908) 756-6414 24 hours a day including holidays. Red Cross Volunteers will respond to local fires and other disasters whenever they occur. To learn more about becoming a disaster volunteer with the Tri-County Red Cross, please call Mike Prasad at (908) 756-6414 x15 or click on http://www.tricountyredcross.org/volunteer/
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