City of Long Beach Offers Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving
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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - As the holiday season approaches, the City of Long Beach is reminding residents to prioritize safety and health during Thanksgiving celebrations. With festive fun and grateful gatherings with loved ones on the horizon, it is important to take precautions to ensure a hazard-free holiday.

One major concern during this time of year is fire safety. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), accidental residential fires increase during the holiday season, with Thanksgiving being the leading day for home fires involving cooking equipment. To prevent fire hazards, the NFPA recommends against deep-frying turkeys and always staying in the kitchen while cooking. It is also important to keep children away from hot stoves and food, as well as using battery-operated candles instead of open-flame ones.

In addition to fire safety, proper food preparation is crucial for a healthy holiday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that improper handling or undercooking of turkey can lead to food poisoning and illness. The CDC offers guidelines on how to properly store, thaw, prepare, cook, and store leftovers to avoid any poultry-related foodborne outbreaks.

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To ensure a healthy holiday season, it is also important to stay up-to-date on flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. The Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) encourages residents to consider getting tested for COVID-19 before traveling or attending large gatherings with friends and family. They also recommend following common-sense safety strategies such as staying home when sick, avoiding close contact with those who are sick, and frequent hand washing.

As people begin traveling for the holidays, it is crucial to practice safe driving habits. The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) will be increasing their presence throughout the city to deter drivers from distracted driving and driving under the influence. In 2023 and 2024 alone, DUI-related traffic collisions claimed four lives each year in Long Beach.

To prevent accidents and injuries, the LBPD offers tips such as designating a sober driver or using a taxi or ride-sharing service. They also remind drivers to avoid texting or using their cell phones while driving and for pedestrians and bicyclists to be aware of their surroundings, especially at night.

In case of any emergencies, community members are encouraged to report suspicious or illegal activity to the Long Beach Police Department by dialing 9-1-1. For non-emergencies, the non-emergency phone tree can be reached at 562.435.6711.

The City of Long Beach hopes that by following these safety tips, everyone can have a safe and thankful holiday season. For media inquiries, please contact the Office of Public Affairs and Communications at LongBeachMedia@longbeach.gov. Let's all work together to make this holiday season a safe one for all in Long Beach.

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