By Grace Hallowell, Marketing Coordinator
Thanksgiving is a celebration of family, friends, and, of course, plenty of delicious food! But Thanksgiving festivities can also create preventable hazards quicker than your leftovers get cold.
We offer these six common-sense reminders to ensure you enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
1. Don’t leave cooking food unattended.
Keep a watchful eye on the feast you’re preparing to avoid fiery mishaps. Likewise, keep children and pets away from your hot oven and stove to prevent burns.
2. Deep fry your bird away from your house.
If a deep-fried turkey is your dish of choice, fry it outdoors at a safe distance. For example, don’t fry your turkey in a garage or on a porch, don’t overfill the fryer with oil, and keep a constant eye on the tasty bird while it’s cooking.
3. Properly dispose of food waste.
If you improperly dispose of fats, oils, grease (FOG), or flushable and non-flushable paper products, you can contribute to fatbergs that block our sewer system. The blockages are even worse in winter, since cooler weather makes it easier for FOG to solidify.
It’s also a good practice to scrape food scraps into the garbage, not down the drain, and pour used cooking oil or grease into a can. Then, after it solidifies, place the sealed container in the trash.
4. Lock your doors when away from home.
If you plan to leave town, take proper precautions to deter burglars from targeting your home. Effective measures include locking the doors and windows, using a timer to turn outdoor lights on at night, and letting a trusted neighbor know your travel plans.
5. Christmas shop responsibly.
If the online deal you’re considering seems too good to be true, it may be a scam. Check the legitimacy of websites and sellers before purchasing anything from an unfamiliar source.
When picking up items you purchased online, use the Safe Exchange Zone in the College Station Police Department’s front parking lot at 800 Krenek Tap Road. Two designated parking spaces are reserved to ensure a safe exchange. If someone is uncomfortable meeting you at the police station, treat this as a red flag.
6. Don’t Drink and Drive!
Whether you’re attending a holiday party, gathering with a few friends, or simply enjoying a night out, make sure you have a plan so that everyone gets home safely. Never drive if you’ve been drinking or are otherwise impaired.
- Stay where you are until you’re sober.
- Call a ride service such as Uber or Lyft.
- Ask a friend or family member who hasn’t been drinking to drive you home.
We appreciate all the wonderful residents and visitors of College Station. Have an enjoyable Thanksgiving and stay safe!
About the Blogger
Grace Hallowell is in her fourth year as marketing coordinator for the city’s Public Communications department. A native of Erie, Pa., Grace has a bachelor’s degree in advertising communications.
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