Your Holiday Safety Briefing
Like many of you, I’m on the road, heading to spend Thanksgiving with family. In my family, I’m the only one who genuinely enjoys cooking, so I’ve happily claimed the title of head chef for the big feast. As an emergency manager, I can’t help but take extra delight in planning for the day — especially when it comes to contingency plans.
From the inevitable "what if the turkey burns?" (answer: Chinese takeout, obviously) to preparing for unexpected guests (both human and furry), I thrive on anticipating what could go wrong. But my real satisfaction comes from taking a moment to think through how to handle an actual crisis.
With that in mind, I’ve put together my family’s holiday safety briefing, affectionately called Auntie Red’s Safety Briefing. I hope it inspires you to take a few proactive steps so you and your loved ones can enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving. I’m endlessly grateful for your support of the TRI team and me over the years. Thank you!
Auntie Red’s Holiday Safety Briefing
Pro Tip #1: For maximum attention, deliver your safety briefing right before dinner is served. Bonus points if you’re holding up a key side dish like mashed potatoes, as you brief!
1. Know Your Risks and Create Simple Action Steps
Prepare for the basics:
Fire: Do you know your evacuation route? When was the last time you checked your smoke alarm batteries?
Power Outages: What’s your backup plan if the power goes out halfway through cooking the turkey? (A backup pre-cooked turkey may or may not be a thing I’ve done before…)
Natural Hazards: My hometown occasionally experiences earthquakes. They’re rare, but when they happen, my family tends to panic like headless turkeys. To prepare, I always review “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
Pro Tip #2: When my nieces and nephews were younger, they loved running through the house with their lightsabers (emergency flashlights) to find the best “safe spots” during our earthquake drills. It’s a surprisingly fun pre-dinner activity!
Internet Meltdowns: Slow internet can lead to big meltdowns. Break out the old board games early — it’s a lifesaver.
2. Establish Your Family’s Crisis Communication Plan
Holidays often involve people traveling from afar or making last-minute store runs. Be ready for the unexpected, especially if cell service is down.
Create a family chat group (text, WhatsApp, or even social media) where everyone can check-in.
Designate a meetup location in case anyone gets separated.
Keep an old-fashioned map handy — yes, the paper kind.
Pro Tip #3: Got a surly teenager who needs an attitude adjustment? Drop them off a mile from the house without their phone to see how long it takes them to find the house. It’s great survival training, and you’ll be amazed at how their mood improves by the time they get back.
3. Empower Resiliency
Safety is a shared responsibility, and nothing derails a holiday faster than an emergency room visit. Take these steps to stay prepared:
Have a fully stocked first aid kit on hand.
Place flashlights around the house.
Make sure fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.
Get everyone involved — even the little ones can help!
With a little planning and preparation, Thanksgiving can be a joyful and safe celebration. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday filled with laughter, delicious food, and maybe a little too much pie. Happy Thanksgiving!
