Thanksgiving Safety

Thanksgiving Safety

 

November 20, 2023

 

As Thanksgiving approaches, the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office would like to remind Delawareans of the importance of fire safety in the kitchen. On Thanksgiving Day, there is a lot of activity in the kitchen and many people in the home. Nationwide, it is also the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. We want all Delawareans to have a safe, Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Please follow these tips to keep you and your families safe this holiday season:
• When cooking on the stovetop, be sure to stay in the kitchen, so you can monitor the food.
• Be on alert! Do not leave the home when cooking your turkey and be sure to check on it often.
• Children should stay 3 feet away from a hot stove.
• Make sure there are no trip hazards on the floor and pot handles are turned in. Spilling hot liquids on skin can cause serious burn injuries.
• Keep anything that can catch fire (towels, oven mitts, utensils, food packaging, etc.) away from your stovetop. If you have a small grease stovetop fire, slide a lid over the pan and turn off the burner, or use a fire extinguisher. Never use water, as it can cause the fire to spread. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.
• Be sure any electrical equipment cords are not dangling off the counter within a child’s reach.
• Likewise, keep knives, matches and lighters away from children. Never leave children in the room unsupervised with a lit candle.
• If your family will be frying a turkey this year, make sure your turkey fryer is outside, on a sturdy, level surface, and at least 10 feet away from your home (not under roof eaves).
• An overfilled fryer will cause cooking oil to spill out when the turkey is put in. Before adding oil, test the amount of oil you need by filling your fryer with water instead. Place the turkey in the pot, making sure the water doesn’t get too close to the top. Measure the water and use that as a guide for filling the pot with oil.
• A partially frozen turkey will cause cooking oil to splatter when you put it in the cooking pot. Make sure your turkey is fully thawed before you fry it.
• If your turkey fryer does not have a thermostat, use a kitchen thermometer that attaches to the side of the pot. This will help you monitor the temperature of the oil. Without thermostat controls, deep fryers can overheat oil to the point of starting a fire.
• Always use protective oven mitts. Keep children and pets at least 3 feet from the turkey fryer.

two women placing turkey in oven


Delaware Traffic Fatalities Reach 2021 Total

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Delaware now has 139 traffic fatalities, reaching last year’s total of 139, the highest number since 2006.

“Thousands of Delawareans will take to the roads in the coming days and weeks to visit friends and family near and far and no matter your destination, we remind drivers to put their safety and that of those around them first,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski.

In 2021, there were 33 fatalities that occurred in November and December.

The number of fatalities on our roadways is tragic and heartbreaking. The Office of Highway Safety recently launched its “Safe Family Holiday” campaign to address the leading causes of holiday crashes in Delaware: driving under the influence, speeding, distracted driving, and pedestrian safety and encourages Delawareans to make responsible choices on our roadways,” said Kimberly Chesser, Director of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety. “During the holidays people tend to get wrapped up in celebrations and activities and relax their safe driving behaviors. Drivers are reminded of poor winter weather conditions, increased holiday traffic, and more pedestrian activity, meaning more dangerous conditions that require your full attention behind the wheel.”

Drugs and alcohol were contributing factors in 36 percent of fatal crashes last year and serves as a reminder to drive sober.

“We must all work together to prevent and eliminate crashes leading to serious injuries and deaths in our State. Safety is our number one priority. We strongly encourage everyone to slow down, avoid distractions behind the wheel and be on the lookout for people walking and biking. It is imperative we all take an active role to protect each other,” said Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Nathaniel McQueen, Jr.

More than 8,200 people were also seriously injured in crashes in 2021.

However you plan to travel this holiday season, please do so safely and don’t become a statistic.


DPH Shares Thanksgiving COVID-19 Testing, Vaccine Closures and Safe Gathering Recommendations

DOVER, DE (Nov. 18, 2021) – The Division of Public Health (DPH) is sharing anticipated closures related to COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites, as well as recommendations for holding a safe Thanksgiving gathering.

All Public Health Clinics that offer COVID-19 vaccination will be closed Nov. 25 and Nov. 26 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Additionally, the clinics and Walgreens will be closed for COVID-19 testing starting Wednesday, Nov. 24.

While DPH standing vaccine sites at the Blue Hen Corporate Center in Dover, Canby Park in Wilmington, Georgetown Plaza in Sussex County and Oxford/University Plaza in Newark will be closed for vaccinations, the sites will be open for Curative COVID-19 testing on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit de.gov/gettested to schedule your appointment.  Other testing and vaccine sites may be open.  Visit de.gov/getmyvaccine for a list of vaccine locations.

Additionally, over the Thanksgiving break, Delaware’s COVID-19 Call Center will be closed on Thursday and Friday, but will answer e-mails to DPHcall@delaware.gov beginning Friday, Nov. 26. The Call Center will resume answering both e-mails and calls to 1-866-408-1899 on Monday, Nov. 29.

Concerned about a winter resurgence in COVID-19 cases again this year, DPH is also sharing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on planning safer Thanksgiving gatherings. Though masking and gathering restrictions are relaxed compared to last year, the virus continues to circulate in the community.

“The rate of COVID-19 positive cases increased by 16% since last week, with the highest rates among children ages 5 to 17,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Halloween parties likely contributed to the increase. We want to get ahead of things and prevent another holiday surge.”

As of Nov. 18, more than 83% of the state’s adult population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to CDC data. In contrast, unvaccinated persons continue to drive case rates and hospitalizations. During the week of Nov. 1 – Nov. 7, 82% of Delaware’s hospitalizations were among unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people.

Vaccination continues to be the strongest recommendation to protect yourself from COVID-19, and the biggest action you can take toward participating in a safe holiday gathering. This includes getting your first dose of the vaccine if you have not already done so, your second dose, (or third dose if you are immunocompromised), or booster dose.  Eligibility for a booster dose of the vaccine is expected to be expanded on Friday, Nov. 19, and DPH encourages individuals to monitor local news channels and de.gov/boosters for updated information.

Getting children, especially those ages 5 –11 who are newly eligible for the vaccine, vaccinated with their first dose prior to the Thanksgiving holiday is a good way to ensure they are protected. Full vaccination using the pediatric dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was found to be more than 90 percent protective against developing symptomatic COVID-19. No severe vaccine-related side effects or severe allergic reactions were identified during clinical trials.

Here’s are other tips for having a safe Thanksgiving holiday:

  • Get tested for COVID-19 before celebrating with a people from multiple households and different parts of the country.
  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19, or had close contact with someone who has it, stay home.  Do not host or attend a gathering.
  • Smaller gatherings are better than larger gatherings to enable you to social distance from those who are not vaccinated. Those who are unvaccinated should get tested prior to Thanksgiving to ensure they are negative for COVID-19.
  • Wear a face mask. Unvaccinated family members, including children ages 2 years and older, should wear a mask in all indoor public settings.  People with a weakened immune system, who are at increased risk for severe disease, should also mask up.
  • Communicate COVID-19 ground rules to invited guests, including expectations around testing before or after gathering, vaccination or masking requirements.
  • Gather outdoors when possible. Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. Getting together for a holiday walk, flag football game, picnic, or virtual cocktails are fun alternatives to an indoor sit-down meal.
  • Do not travel unnecessarily unless you and your companions are fully vaccinated. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated and must travel should follow CDC’s domestic travel or international travel recommendations at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.

The Public Health Communications Collaborative provides tips in a simple recipe card format that is available for downloading in flyer form and social media format: https://publichealthcollaborative.org/resources/toolkit-thanksgiving-2021-safety-tips/.


Thanksgiving 2019 DUI Checkpoint Results

The statewide Thanksgiving 2019 DUI Checkpoint was a success

Dover, Del. (December 2, 2019)The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) coordinated DUI checkpoints on Thanksgiving Eve in each county statewide on November 27, from 10 PM to November 28, at 2 AM the following morning.

Checkpoint Results

Working together with the Delaware State Police and local law enforcement, OHS supported three DUI checkpoints across the state. A total of 65 officers worked 390 hours combined and saw 1,463 vehicles come through the checkpoints.

OHS is pleased to report that Thanksgiving 2019 DUI Checkpoint Strikeforce was a success. In Delaware, officers made 6 DUI arrests and netted an additional 58 traffic arrests or citations for various infractions, including 6 seatbelt assessments, 7 drug arrests and the apprehension of 1 wanted person.

“It is our goal to remove impaired drivers from Delaware roadways and prevent tragedies during this holiday season. OHS would like to thank Delaware State Police, the many local law enforcement agencies, as well as other safety partners like DelDOT for their participation with this activation of Checkpoint Strikeforce. Their continued commitment empowers our efforts during this most dangerous time of year,”Richard Klepner, Deputy Director, Delaware Office of Highway Safety.

Upcoming Checkpoint Strikeforce

OHS will coordinate the next Checkpoint Strikeforce effort on December 14, 2019. Three DUI checkpoints will occur statewide, as well as DUI patrols, to deter individuals from driving while impaired.

You can follow the Delaware Office of Highway Safety by visiting:
Delaware Office of Highway Safety Web Site
Facebook
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LinkedIn

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Cynthia Cavett, Marketing Specialist II & Public Information Officer
Delaware Office of Highway Safety
Cynthia.Cavett@delaware.gov
302-744-2740

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About the Delaware Office of Highway Safety
The Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is committed to improving the safety of Delaware’s motoring public by focusing on behavioral traffic safety issues such as impaired driving, seat belt use, speeding, child passenger safety, pedestrian and bicycle safety, motorcycle safety, and teen driving issues. FAQs can be found at ArriveAliveDE.com.


DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation to offer free admission to Delaware’s state parks & Brandywine Zoo on Black Friday

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, and Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), invite the public to #OptOutside this Black Friday by visiting Delaware State Parks. This year, visitors can enjoy free entry to state parks on Black Friday, Nov. 29. The Brandywine Zoo is joining in on the outdoor fun and will also be waiving admission all day.

“The ‘Opt Outside’ event is now a tradition at DNREC’s Delaware state parks, and the numbers of visitors are increasing each year,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Between the Brandywine Zoo and our parks across the state, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Those willing to forego shopping and opt instead for a day of hiking, biking, and adventuring will find more than 150 miles of trails to explore throughout Delaware, spectacular locations for bird and wildlife watching, scenic beaches, and much more.”

The Opt Outside movement, started by REI in 2015, encourages families and friends across the nation to ditch the retail madness and get outdoors on Black Friday. The 16 million-member outdoor co-op sets an example by shutting its doors, and giving its 12,000 employees a paid day off.

This is the fifth year that DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation will be participating in the event, joining more than 700 organizations and seven million people nationwide.

All Delaware state parks’ gates will open at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29, with the exception of Fort Delaware State Park, which is closed for the season. All park offices will remain closed. The Brandywine Zoo will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public can use the hashtag #OptOutside on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to show support and invite family and friends to join the movement.

Visit www.destateparks.com for park locations and more fun ideas on how to get outside on Black Friday.

Media Contact: Abby Shepard, DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation, 302-739-9220