It’s Thanksgiving week! Wow, time flies! People are out there purchasing the turkeys for their Thanksgiving tables, families are travelling, preparation is underway for the big day–and for the first time in a few years, it’s chilly leading up to Thanksgiving, so there are fires in fireplaces and wood in wood-burning stoves. In my home, we are making sure to have the proper TV channels lined up for the parade and the football games! Woo hoo!

As a member of SafeKids of the Central Shenandoah Valley, I check the SafeKids website regularly and found these very good safety tips I am republishing here. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and please, do all you can to keep children safe!

5 Tips for a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving from SafeKids

Whether you’re traveling by car, or train or plane, coming home for the holidays is exciting.

Before you pack up the car and bundle up the kids, put the turkey and pies in the oven – or whatever else is on your list before you go – here are five quick tips to help you and your family stay safe for the holiday.

1. In the car: If you’re like me, colder weather means lots of layers of clothing. But remember, bulky winter clothes and coats can keep a car seat from doing its job. Instead, cover your child with a thick blanket to stay warm after you’ve securely strapped him or her into the car seat.
2. In the kitchen: At Thanksgiving, things are guaranteed to get a little busy. To help keep hot food out of the reach of little hands, be sure that pot handles and other dishes aren’t close to the edge of the counter or table where they could be pulled down by curious kids.
3. By the fireplace: If there’s a fireplace in the home, be sure to check that it’s protected by a sturdy screen – and remember that glass screens can take a while to cool down even after the fire has gone out.
4. Wherever the medicine is stored: Kids get into medication in all sorts of places, like in purses and nightstands. In fact, in 67 percent of medicine-related ER visits, the medicine was within reach of a child, such as in a purse, left on a counter or dresser, or found on the ground. A good rule of thumb: “Up, up and away.” Keep medications out of reach and out of sight.
5. In the room where you sleep: For many of us, holiday travel means we’ll be spending the night away from home. While you might be fine sleeping on the couch or an air mattress, make sure your baby always sleeps in a safe crib, bassinet or pack-n-play.

Two more tips from BeChildSafe

1. If you light candles to create a festive mood, be sure to douse all candles if you are leaving the house or going to sleep.
2. If you are serving or consuming alcoholic beverages over the holidays, please don’t leave them unattended where young children can pick them up and drink them.  If this occurs, please call 911 right away or get your child to the nearest Hospital Emergency Room.

Thank you– and have a safe Thanksgiving from all of us at BeChildSafe.org.