DELMARVA--Whether you're preparing your first ever feast or driving to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with loved ones, local experts on Delmarva have a list of tips and tricks to stay safe both in the kitchen and on the highway.
It's likely that this is the first time for many people cooking the big holiday meal--and unfortunately, that could mean a fire hazard.
"The National Fire Protection Association tells us Thanksgiving Day is the second busiest day for firefighters of the year, the busiest day being July 4th," said Mike Lowe, senior instructor at the Delaware State Fire School.
Lowe said this time of year, officials often get calls of fires in the kitchen mainly due to distractions.
"In the kitchen, obviously we have a lot of things going on and we would recommend that you stay in the kitchen," he said. "We realize that may not always be practical so what we recommend is, if you leave the kitchen, take something in your hand with you, an oven mitt, a utensil whatever, so if you walk into the next room, you have something there to remind you 'hey I gotta get back in the kitchen.'"
For others who are traveling this Thanksgiving season, Deputy Director at the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, Richard Klepner, said it's important to be aware of drunk drivers, as this time last year, about 60 DUI arrests were reported in the First State.
"Whether it be with a rideshare service or a taxi service or just having a designated driver, no matter how far you're driving, you should not be driving while impaired," he said. "You can be impaired even with one drink, so planning ahead is a very important part of that process of getting everybody home safely during that Thanksgiving period."
OHS said there has been a 16 percent increase in fatal crashes this year, and also an increase in impaired crashes in Sussex Co., specifically in late November.
Klepner said no checkpoints will be conducted but an increase in patrols are expected to roam throughout the state of Delaware Wednesday evening until Sunday morning.
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Other Tips from Experts in the Kitchen:
-Never leave the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop (some types of cooking, especially those that involve frying or sautéing with oil, need continuous attention)
-When cooking a turkey, or other items in the oven, stay in your home and check on it regularly
-Set a timer on your stove or phone to keep track of cooking times (particularly for foods that require longer cook times)
-Keep things that can catch fire like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers, and towels away from direct contact with the cooking area
-Avoid long sleeves and hanging fabrics that could come in contact with a heat source
-Always cook with a lid beside your pan (If you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time. Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire.)
-For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Only open the door once you're confident the fire is completely out, standing to the side as you do. (If you have any doubts or concerns, contact the fire department for assistance)
-Keep children at least three feet away from the stove and areas where hot food or beverages is being prepared or served (steam or spills from these items can cause severe burns)