Tag Archives: thanksgiving

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

HOLIDAY HAZARDS

The U.S. holiday season begins this week, with the observance of Thanksgiving, Thursday November 28th.  On Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, more travelers will be either on the roads or catching planes to reach their destinations of the homes of family or friends.   This time of the year brings the deadliest season of highway accidents.  From Wednesday through January 1st, motorists are asked to observe MADD’s (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) campaign, “Tie One On For Safety.”  Place a red ribbon on your car, or find one of their stickers at your local MADD office.  This will remind other drivers to be more alert than ever during this busy time of the year.  If you spot someone you suspect is drunk or under the influence of drugs, report it to the police or highway patrol.  Keep your cell phone charged and if you need to call, it’s toll-free: 9-1-1.   If you witness a non-emergent event, such as a car that has been stalled, instead of 9-1-1, call your state number for highway assistance.  Texas is *DPS or #377. These numbers are listed by states.  One source is ou.edu./oupd/highway-cell.htm.

As you begin to travel this holiday season there are a few tips you should remember to ensure a safe trip:
* Leave early in order to arrive safely without speeding
* Sleep at least seven to nine hours the night before the trip
* Stop every two hours and walk around
* Be a defensive driver and watch for fatigued or drunk drivers
* Schedule a routine maintenance check on your car before leaving (tire pressure, oil, battery,  windshield wipers, etc.)
* Pack emergency equipment including first aid kits, flashlights, water, and blankets
* Be responsible and don’t drink and drive or text and drive 

In addition to heavy traffic hazards, many parts of the country have deer and other wild animals lurking about.  Control your speed in order to avoid hitting an animal, which can cause havoc to you, the animal, and your vehicle!  Watch for them, because they don’t do a very good job of watching for you. 

One holiday mistake you might make is getting carried away at holiday parties.  Plan ahead that either you or one of your companions will be the designated driver.  Take a cab or call someone to pick you up if you are alone and unable to drive.  Remember, friends don’t let friends drive drunk.  The best idea is to make up your mind that you won’t celebrate too much.  You will thank yourself the next day. 

Highways will be full of law enforcement officers, watching for speeders and dangerous drivers.  Their work assignment is to keep our highways safe for all drivers.  Make their job easier by observing the speed limits.  You will save time for them, and save money for you. 

As you travel, remember the reason you are even driving at all is to spend time with family and friends.  They want you to arrive safely so you can spend precious time together.

Don’t be a statistic this year; be thankful you are able to enjoy the holiday season in the coming few weeks.

TEXAS AMERICA SAFETY COMPANY and BLOG4SAFETY wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and safe holiday season.

General Safety Issues

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU!

I think everyone is amazed by the way this year, 2010, has flown by!  The holiday travel season will begin with Thanksgiving Eve, on November 24th.  Travel time from Thanksgiving Eve through New Year’s Eve is very busy and carries the warnings from State Patrols throughout the nation to drive with care, buckle up, and don’t text and drive or drink and drive, as this is a very deadly time of the year for traffic accidents.

We want to thank each one of you who take the time to read our Blog4Safety.com.  It is our hope that you have found some of our helpful ideas useful in keeping you and yours a little safer.  We try to touch on a variety of topics by focusing on work, home, play, and driving safety, as well as keeping our children safe.  Hundreds of people are already buying or thinking about buying Christmas gifts, to avoid the rush.  When you make purchases for children, be sure that you pick toys that are safe.  We will have plenty of time later to talk about Christmas, so let’s just talk about this week’s holiday. 

Too many times, it seems that Thanksgiving gets overlooked, when the real commercial success in the U.S. jumps from Halloween to Christmas.  But this particular day is a time to stop and be thankful for the things we share – for freedom to worship as we choose, for the gathering of families to enjoy each other’s presence, and the “presents” are just being together.  It is also a time to pause and be thankful for the memories of parents, grandparents, and other family members who made our holidays so special.  We are also grateful for friends, who are  another of life’s gifts that grow more valuable as the years go by.

Many of you have sent in very nice comments, which we really appreciate.  We were asked to write an article on head protection for an international safety magazine, Health & Safety International,  this year, which was truly an honor.  A few safety websites have exchanged ideas with us, and it’s been fun to compare notes and safety suggestions from different points of view. 

By the way, if you are one of those super shoppers that just can’t resist the bargains on “Black Friday,” be careful!  People will be rushing to get those good deals, so don’t get in their way!  A spokesperson for the National Retail Federation reports that although it is the busiest shopping day of the season, it usually is not the highest in sales.  The past couple of years, the Saturday before Christmas topped Black Friday purchases.  Many persons enjoy getting out and seeing what’s out there in the way of good prices.  If you are a brave soul, and that is your cup of tea, go for it!  (I think I will play it safe and stay home and shop online “Cyber Monday!”)    Whatever you choose to do, stay safe!

Once again, we wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving Day!  Stay with us for more safety tips from Blog4Safety!

 

 

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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There are various opinions about the origin of this holiday, which is celebrated by the United States and Canada.   Some facts we have found are that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Texas, by the Spanish explorer, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in 1541.  Pilgrims gathered in 1621 to celebrate a successful harvest.  In the United States, in 1939, the fourth Thursday in November was named as the official holiday.  The second Monday in October is Canada’s national Thanksgiving holiday.  There are probably many other theories about when and how the holiday began, but the main theme of today’s article is to have a Happy and Safe one!

This is the time of year when folks become rushed, getting ready for the big day!  The most dangerous and deadly time of the year is from now through the end of the year, according to traffic statistics.  Drunk drivers, drivers and passengers who are not wearing seatbelts, and those simply in a big hurry, account for accidents that can cause not-so-happy memories for all involved.  Even if you are going to save lots of money getting to that “Black Friday” sale the day after Thanksgiving, consider the consequences and slow down!

Here’s a few basic, common sense hints to make your holiday feast successful:

  • In planning your meal, keep in mind those who might have food allergies.
  • Childproof your home.
  • Prepare the meal safely; use protective gloves when handling hot dishes.
  • If you choose a fresh turkey, do not purchase it until 1-2 days before you plan to cook it.
  • Thaw your frozen bird in the refrigerator 24 hrs per each 5 lbs.
  • Lest you forget to thaw the turkey, you may thaw it in the microwave if it isn’t too big; be sure to use the power level for thawing, and cook immediately once it is thawed.
  • Leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking.
  • Use the refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days.
  • Keep Fido or Tabby safe this Thanksgiving; a little turkey meat won’t hurt, but don’t give them bones from the bird, as they can splinter and be dangerous.  Foods that are spiced with garlic, etc., are not meant for animals.  Your beloved pets will be just as happy with their regular diet.

We hope that each and every one will travel safely, not eat too much, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

DON’T BE A TURKEY THIS THANKSGIVING BUCKLE UP AMERICA. EVERY TRIP. EVERY TIME.

This is the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s theme for Thanksgiving season, beginning November 16th and going through November 29th.   Law enforcement agencies will be cracking down, coast to coast, day or night, to enforce one of their main objectives: seat belt use.  During the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday period, (November 26 to December 1st) of the 231 passenger vehicle occupant deaths that occurred in crashes at night, two-thirds, or 67% did not have their seat belts fastened (where seat belt use was known).  Forty per cent of the 156 daytime fatalities during that period were not wearing their seat belts.  The NHTSA says that regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.

Several states have passed laws requiring passengers in back seats to also buckle up.  Drivers and passengers should be aware when they head out for the holiday (or any other time), that “Click It or Ticket” is a certainty if they are caught unbuckled.  Statistics show that nighttime is the most dangerous time on the road because seat belt use is lower.  Chances of death to front-seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45% and the risk of moderate to serious injury is lowered 50% when lap and shoulder belt are used correctly, so why take the chance?

Along with the NHTSA, we want to share our hopes that you always use caution and follow the law when driving, especially during the holiday season, which begins November 16 and concludes January 3rd.  Don’t drive impaired, don’t speed, use cell phones with care, and please don’t text while driving.  Keep those youngsters buckled up properly and see that you all arrive at your celebrations safely.

We especially liked a couple of many posters the NHTSA has as part of their campaign:
“Forty-five million turkeys will die for Thanksgiving Day – Don’t be one of them!”
and  “Make sure the only belt left unbuckled this Thanksgiving is the one at the dinner table, not the one in your vehicle.”