Thanksgiving time is a time when families gather to share traditions and reflect thankfully on their blessings. The hustle and bustle to prepare old family recipes and get the perfect meal to the table can quickly lead to tragedy if care is not used on this busy day. Thanksgiving Day has more than double the number of home cooking fires than an average day according to the U.S. Fire Administration. In fact, each year more than 4,000 fires occur on Thanksgiving Day. To help prevent home fires this Thanksgiving, the Red Cross suggests the following tips:
ü Keep potholders and food wrappers at least three feet away from heat sources while cooking
ü Be careful if wearing loose fitting clothing & long sleeves when cooking
ü Make sure all stoves, ovens, and ranges have been turned off when you leave the kitchen
ü Set timers to keep track of turkeys and other food items that require extended cooking times
ü Turn handles of pots and pans on the stove inward to avoid accidents
ü Follow all manufacturer guidelines regarding the appropriate use of appliances
ü After guests leave, designate a responsible adult to walk around the home making sure that all candles and smoking materials are extinguished
ü Even with the best preparation and precautions, accidents can happen. Thanksgiving is high time for cooking related burns. Minor burns can be treated easily if you remember to save the butter for the rolls and not a burn. For a superficial burn, cool the area by running it under cold water until the heat eases and then loosely cover the burn with a sterile dressing. Another danger that can interrupt a good turkey dinner is choking. The most common cause of choking is talking while eating. If you feel as if food may be caught in your throat, never leave the room, stay where others can see you and help if your airway becomes blocked. To help someone who is choking, remember "FIVE-and-FIVE Can Keep Them Alive." First, ask the person if they are able to breathe and if you can help. continued next column | 
Red Cross volunteer Scott Smith surveys fire damage. Once you know the person is unable to cough, speak or breathe, have someone call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number, lean the person forward and give FIVE sharp back blows with the heel of your hand. If the obstruction isn't dislodged, give the person FIVE quick, upward abdominal thrusts. If you are alone, you can perform abdominal thrusts on yourself, just as you would on someone else. Thrusts can also be administered by pressing your abdomen firmly against an object such as the back of a chair. Just because we get to take a break from dieting on Thanksgiving, doesn’t mean we can throw caution to the autumn winds. Please remember these suggestions and have a happy and safe holiday! |
This year marks the beginning of our 92nd year of service in Marion and Polk counties. Our volunteers are busy providing services following home fires, collecting life-saving blood donations, educating citizens in disaster response and first aid & CPR. If you would like to support our vital services by making a secure financial contribution, click here 
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