Something to be thankful for—a safe holiday

When you go over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house this Thanksgiving, take some safety tips along. The holiday offers a bounty of safety challenges resulting from a combination of traveling, cooking and visiting unfamiliar surroundings with kids in tow. But since most of us wouldn't have it any other way, we'd like to serve up some reminders on ways to make the holiday weekend a safe one.

On the road
This time of year the roads are busier, making travel more risky, especially if you have to drive through the white and drifted snow (oh!)  The holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve is one the most dangerous on the roads, due to a high incidence of alcohol-related traffic crashes, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

Before you hit the road, make sure your car is properly maintained and equipped. Some areas of the country have already experienced a first snow storm—or two—so refresh your winter driving skills. The Automobile Association of American also has some good ways to vaccinate your car against the cold.

If the car is going to be packed with kids, food and luggage, make sure you pack it safely. Parents of children eight and younger who may be traveling through other states, should check the booster and car seat laws in those states to make sure you comply. Laws vary from state to state. All occupants should follow the advice in the public service ad: "Cluck, cluck, Buckle up."

If you get lost along the way and need to check directions, pull over before talking on your cell phone or texting for help. Both are dangerous practices that take your eyes off the road. And in many states you can be fined. A GPS may be of help, but only if it's not obscuring your vision or causing a distraction.

If a flat tire, mechanical breakdown, or empty fuel tank forces you to stop driving, pull your vehicle as far off of the road as safely possible and call for help. If you are traveling a long distance, you should prepare your own roadside emergency kit.

Away from home
Parents of small children may want to check with their hosts beforehand to make sure that breakables and other hazards have been removed from common areas. But just to be sure, here are some quick ways to childproof other people's homes when you arrive.

If you are staying the night, either there or in a hotel, make sure your child has a safe sleeping environment. Not all cribs and playyards are safe and you should never place your baby on an air mattress to sleep.

In the kitchen
The risk of cooking fires doubles on Thanksgiving, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Too often cooks get distracted by arriving guests or other demands and leave food unattended instead of turning off the burner. Stove tipovers are another kitchen hazard and can occur when a turkey is placed on an open oven door causing the range to topple forward.

And as we've reported here before, Thanksgiving plans can go up in flames when things go awry with a propane-powered deep fryer. (See video)

Foodborne illnesses don't take a holiday just because we do. When you are cooking your turkey, use a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches a temperature high enough to kill bacteria. And remember to keep your cooking surfaces clean to avoid cross-contaminating foods. Here's the 411 on foodborne illness.

We hope these warnings haven't ruined your appetite. As the old song goes, Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!