FAMILY

Red Cross offers holiday safety tips

Nov 26, 2019, 9:13 PM | Updated: 9:15 pm

safety tips, American Red Cross, Thanksgiving,...

The American Red Cross of Utah offers safety tips for those who are cooking and traveling for Thanksgiving. (Photo credit: Getty Images)

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY — The American Red Cross of Utah wants to help you stay safe as you cook and travel this Thanksgiving. So they have created a list of ways to do just that.

Communications Director Rich Woodruff warns there’s a big spike in home fires from cooking on Thanksgiving.

“I would say that a big thing is don’t get distracted,” Woodruff said. “You want to keep an eye on that stove. Home fire, cooking safety is probably the number one type of fire that we respond to.”

Safety tips for cooking

He said it’s a good idea to have a fire extinguisher nearby while cooking. Woodruff also warned against wearing loose clothing while cooking, like sleeves that dangle.

He also said you should never leave the kitchen while cooking, even for a short period of time. “Unattended cooking is really a very very dangerous thing,” said Woodruff

Another safety precaution is to keep your pot handles from hanging over the stove because small children and even pets can get curious.

Woodruff said if you are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food you should check it regularly. He encouraged people to use a timer so they don’t forget that the stove is on.

“Just be very very cognizant that there is danger there, also a working smoking alarm is very important, we can’t say that enough. So just be careful and protect yourself and your family,” said Woodruff.

Safety tips for travel

The Red Cross also has tips for traveling safely during the holidays. “It’s going to be a busy travel week, of course there always is for thanksgiving…make sure the car is in good condition for a road trip,” said Woodruff.

He said it’s especially important to drive safely with snowy weather coming in. “When you get weather like we’ve got coming, you really really want to slow down. Be very very careful. Use those extra car lanes and don’t get overconfident.”

The Red Cross recommends checking the weather before you travel, and to let your family know when to expect you. “If you hit a snag or a delay, you don’t show up that’s a warning signal that something could be wrong.”

He also recommended keeping an emergency travel safety kit in your car.

Keep your eyes on the road

And he said it’s important to make sure you pay full attention to the road, make sure you have good visibility, and make sure every part of your car is working properly. He said it’s especially important to check tire pressure.

The Red Cross also warned to avoid the flu while you’re traveling. He encouraged people to wash hands and carry hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Family

Mother's Day gifts aren't always necessary. Sometimes moms just want quality time....

Ben McGonnell

Mother’s Day activities this weekend in Utah

As Mother's Day approaches, many people scramble to find the perfect gift or activity to show appreciation for the person who raised them.

12 months ago

Utah Food Bank...

Allessandra Harris

Utah Food Bank aims to ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ this summer

The Utah Food Bank is joining forces with the Letter Carriers Union to collect non-perishable food items for those in need.

12 months ago

Mother's Day gifts aren't always necessary. Sometimes moms just want quality time....

Amanda Dickson

Dickson: Mother’s Day gifts we moms really want

Buying Mother's Day gifts isn't always necessary. Some times, all your mom might want is time. Here's why real time is worth so much more.

12 months ago

proposed packaging for the over the counter birth control pill is pictured...

Associated Press

FDA panel backs over-the-counter sales of birth control pill

The panel of FDA advisers voted unanimously in favor of drugmaker Perrigo's request to sell its once-a-day medication over the counter.

12 months ago

tiktok logo is shown, kids' social media use is under scrutiny from health officials...

Peter Johnston

APA urges adults to limit kids’ social media use

Kids' social media use should not be without guidance and oversight from parents, an advisory from the American Psychological Association said.

12 months ago

(Canva)...

Michelle Lee

Managing stress as a new parent

What causes the stress, why mothers tend to worry more than fathers, and how new parents can work together to help manage that stress.

12 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Red Cross offers holiday safety tips