November brings cool weather, falling leaves, and the start of the holiday season. It is also a great time to think about safety at home, school, and on the road. Check out some tips to stay safe and warm this month!
Fire and Cooking Safety
- Be Smart with Space Heaters
- Space heaters are one of the leading causes of home fire deaths.
- Electric heaters are common, but you need to be careful:
- Never plug more than one into a single outlet
- Never use extension cords or power strips
- Never run cords under rugs.
- Fuel-burning heaters (kerosene, propane) carry extra risk, especially if used indoors. Only use one rated and approved for indoor use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Keep anything that can burn like paper, blankets, or clothes at least three feet away from heaters. Always turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Cook with Care
- Did you know that Thanksgiving is the number one day for home cooking fires in the U.S.? Most of these happen because the kitchen is left unattended or frying a turkey goes wrong. Stay in the kitchen while cooking, keep oven mitts and towels away from the stove, and do not fry a frozen turkey!
- Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms
- Test smoke alarms every month. Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
- Carbon Monoxide (CO), the invisible killer, is an odorless, colorless, invisible gas created when fuels do not burn all the way. People are not usually aware of its presence and can get sick or die from breathing it in. Prepare to protect yourself and loved ones by knowing the signs and symptoms of poisoning by visiting the American Red Cross. Make sure the sensors and batteries have not expired in your CO detector.
- Plan Ahead
- Talk with your family about how to get out safely if a fire starts or CO gas is present. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
Cold Weather Safety
November can bring chilly mornings and even ice in some places. Being prepared for cold weather keeps you safe and comfortable.
- Dress in Layers
- When you are outside, frostbite and hypothermia are possible, so you need to protect yourself by dressing in layers:
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.
- Wear a hat. Try to stay dry and out of the wind.
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
- Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
- Watch Your Step
- Ice can form overnight on sidewalks and driveways. Walk slowly and wear shoes with a good grip.
- Stay Dry
- Wet clothes make you colder faster. If you get wet, change into dry clothes right away.
- Stay Warm Indoors
- If your home gets cold, close doors to rooms you are not using to keep the heat where you need it.
- Never use an oven to heat your home. It is dangerous and can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning may be present or your carbon monoxide detector is going off, get to fresh air and call for medical care right away.
- When you are outside, frostbite and hypothermia are possible, so you need to protect yourself by dressing in layers:
Travel Safety
If you are heading out for the holidays this season, make sure your vehicle is working well, get plenty of sleep, and be ready for any emergencies. Expect roads to be busy and weather to change quickly.
- Buckle Up
- The cost of not wearing a seatbelt can be deadly. Seatbelts save lives and they reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash by about 50%.
- Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving
- The holidays are often associated with drinking and having a good time. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 2019-2023, 868 people were killed in drunk driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period. While spending quality time with loved ones and being grateful for everything is wonderful, make sure your loved ones have a safe and sober ride home.
- Check Your Car
- As the outside temperature drops, make sure your tire pressure does not. Before taking that trip to the family Thanksgiving dinner, make sure tires are properly inflated, your battery is in good condition, and the windshield wipers work well.
- Be Ready for Emergencies
- Safety experts warn to carry items in your vehicle that can handle common winter driving-related tasks. Some supplies you might need in an emergency include:
- Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper
- Jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices (flares and emergency markers)
- First aid kit, including a tourniquet
- Blankets and extra clothing for protection from the cold if your car breaks down
- Cell phone and charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine.
- Safety experts warn to carry items in your vehicle that can handle common winter driving-related tasks. Some supplies you might need in an emergency include:
Let us make this November full of safety, warmth, and thankfulness. Whether you are cooking a big meal or traveling to see family, take a little time to think about safety first so everyone can enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season!
Tips courtesy of the NHTSA, NFPA, CDC, FEMA, Mayo Clinic, USFA, American Red Cross, and DHS.
Article by: Anissa Locha
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