Safety

Our Safety section features articles on everything from securing your home and Neighborhood Watch to personal safety and domestic abuse.  The Travis County Sheriff’s Office has shared a wealth of information and while we try and run something in each newsletter, we felt it would be beneficial to have the bulk of it available on the website.  We hope you’ll take a few moments to look around on our drop downs!  See below for seasonal safety articles.

Turkey Fryer Safety

Careful use of a turkey fryer can be a safe way to cook when the user takes the time to read and follow the instructions.  Several gallons of oil heated over 350 degrees are as flammable as gasoline.  Here are a few things to remember.

• Make sure the fryer is used on a flat surface.  Many units easily tip over, spilling the hot oil.
• Oil is heated to temperatures of 350 degrees Fahrenheit or more and is combustible.  If heated beyond this temperature, its vapors can ignite.  Make sure the appliance has temperature controls designed to shut off the fryer if the oil overheats and never leave the fryer unattended even after you remove the turkey.  Hot means still dangerous.
• Propane-fired turkey fryers are designed for outdoor use.  If rain strikes the exposed hot cooking oil, the results can be a splattering of the hot oil or steam, either of which can lead to burns.  Don’t use a propane fryer in a garage or barn, on a wooden deck, or under eaves of the house.
• To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.  Oil may hit the burner or flames, causing a fire to engulf the entire unit.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades.  Water causes oil to spill over causing a fire.
• The lid and handles on the sides of the cooking pot get dangerously hot, posing severe burn hazards.  Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles and wear a long-sleeve shirt.  Wear closed-toe shoes, not sandals.   If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby.  Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.  If the fire increases, call 911.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer even if it is not in use.

Read the directions on your fryer; think about what you are doing, and have a safe Thanksgiving and a delicious turkey dinner.

Holiday Safety

With the bustle of the holidays just around the corner, now is the time to make sure we’re taking every precaution to keep our homes and ourselves as safe as possible.  We usually see an increase in crime this time of year, and with the recent decline in the economy we should be especially vigilant.

If traveling over the holidays:

·         Let someone know you’ll be out of town and when you’ll return.

·         They should have the following: your emergency contact information; contact information for anyone with access to your house (pet sitter, etc.); when they should be expected; what they look like and a description of their vehicle(s).

·         Put your lights, stereo or TV on timers and have a neighbor park in your driveway.

·         File a Close Patrol Request.  The filing of this form alerts patrolling officers so that they may pay close attention to one’s residence.  To do so: Contact the Travis County Sheriff’s Office 854-9721.  Ask to make a Close Patrol Request.

Keep your blinds and drapes closed when away, even if only for a short period of time.

Keep your house well lit at night (backyard included).  A motion sensor activated light is an inexpensive deterrent.

If your Christmas tree is displayed in front of a window, don’t pile the presents around it.  Store the gifts in another area away from view when the blinds or drapes are open.

Do NOT put the empty boxes for the new computer, TV, stereo system, etc. on the curb for the trash.  Take the time to break down every box and put it inside your trashcan so that it is concealed, even if you have to hold it over to the next week.  People start cruising our neighborhood on Tuesday afternoons to see what has been put out.  The less they know, the better.

Door-to-door solicitations increase tremendously this time of year.  Always look out the window or peephole before opening the door or answering a knock.  Never open the door all the way, especially if your Christmas tree and goodies are in plain view.

While shopping this holiday season, remain aware of your surroundings at all times.  If unsure of your safety, ask a store attendant to have security walk you to your car.  You can’t be too safe.  This goes for trips to the grocery store as well.  When unloading your car at home after a day of shopping, lock it between trips to and from the car.

There has been an increase in car break-ins in Travis County in the last few months.   Don’t leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked.  Take them in the house or put them in the trunk out of sight.

Always lock your car.   Never leave your car running unattended or leave your keys in the car or ignition.  If you keep a garage door remote control in your car and don’t park it in the garage each and every time you return home, hide the remote.  Thieves check visors and this gives them instant access to your home.

Most of all, be aware of your surroundings and look out for your neighbors.  If you see or hear something suspicious, call 911.  The Sheriff’s Department would much rather answer a false alarm than deal with a tragedy later.

We live in a great community.  Let’s keep it that way.  Here’s to a safe and happy holiday season!