PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach wants everyone to enjoy the upcoming holidays, and it is the shared responsibility of our entire community to celebrate them safely. As the holiday season is a time for festivities, gatherings and visits from out-of-towners, the City is providing tips to help ensure everyone has a safe and healthy Thanksgiving weekend.

COVID-19 Precautions
Residents and visitors should continue to be mindful of situations where there is a higher risk of COVID-19 transmission, which can contribute to the spread of the virus. The City’s Department of Public Health and Human Services (Health Department) encourages everyone to celebrate Thanksgiving weekend in a way that helps reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission such as:

• Celebrate Outdoors. Activities that take place outdoors are safer than indoor activities in regard to spreading viruses and germs. Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
• Mask Up. One way to reduce the risk of COVID-19 is for adults and children over the age of 2 to wear either a cloth or surgical mask. 
• Wash Hands. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before coming into contact with high-touch surfaces like serving utensils.
• Get Vaccinated. Everyone who is eligible should get vaccinated against COVID-19 as the single best way to protect yourself and those around you against the deadly virus. For more information and to register for the free shots at local clinics, go to the VaxLB website or MyTurn.ca.gov.
• Feeling Sick? Stay Home. If you are sick, or you have been in contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19, rest at home.

Flu season is also here, and the general guidelines above can also help protect you against the flu. The City encourages everyone to also get the flu vaccine to help stay healthy.

Fire Safety
The rate of accidental residential fires increases every year during the holiday season, with home cooking fires being a common culprit on Thanksgiving. Here are some ways to limit fire hazards:

• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends against deep-frying turkeys; if you decide to do so, follow safety recommendations, and never deep-fry a frozen turkey. 
• Always stay in the kitchen while cooking; unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and casualties.
• Always keep children away from hot stoves.
• Instead of using open-flame candles for a table centerpiece or in other home decor, use battery-operated candles.
• Remember to make sure all your smoke alarms are working.

Food Prep Matters
When cooking a turkey, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that improper handling or undercooking the bird can spoil the holiday by leading to illness. The CDC offers guidelines to avoid poultry-related foodborne outbreaks.

Safe Travels
During the holidays, it is especially important to note the importance of not driving while impaired or distracted. DUI-related traffic accidents typically increase during the holiday season; in the City of Long Beach, DUI-related traffic collisions claimed the lives of nine people in 2019 and 14 people in 2020. 

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• To prevent injury to yourself and others, designate a sober driver, or use a taxi or ride-sharing service to get to and from your destination.
• Remember that driving under the influence includes alcohol, marijuana, some prescription and over the counter drugs, and illegal drugs.
• Plan routes in advance and avoid texting or otherwise using a cell phone while driving.

In Case of Emergency
Community members are encouraged to report dangerous or illegal activities to the Long Beach Police Department. For emergencies, dial 911. For non-emergency calls, dial 562.435.6711. 

Media inquiries can be directed to Jennifer De Prez, Public Affairs Specialist, Office of Public Affairs and Communications, at 562.570.6818 or Jennifer.DePrez@longbeach.gov.