As Thanksgiving approaches, the City of San Antonio has shared a series of tips designed to ensure that residents can enjoy their holiday festivities safely and without unnecessary hiccups. Forethought about travel and meal preparation are at the forefront of their advice. 

Those traveling through San Antonio International Airport (SAT) are encouraged to plan ahead to ease their journey. In an attempt to reduce stress, the airport advises passengers to reserve parking online, check TSA guidelines before packing, and arrive two hours prior to their flight. A newly implemented system, Metropolis Drive In, Drive Out, allows travelers to pay for parking swiftly by simply scanning a QR code and connecting their license plate to their method of payment via the Metropolis app. Additionally, the Bags™ Curbside Concierge service is available for travelers who choose to park in garages, as mentioned by the City of San Antonio's official website. 

Food safety during the holiday feast is also a priority, with the Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health) providing important reminders. According to the provided safety guide, the turkey should be properly thawed either in the refrigerator, in cold water that is changed every 30 minutes, or in a microwave. They emphasize the necessity of cooking turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, measured with a food thermometer, and highlight the importance of storing leftovers within two hours to combat foodborne illnesses.

With the dual arrivals of Thanksgiving and the subsequent festive season, the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) warns against potential fire hazards. They specifically caution against overloading extension cords or outlets and suggest keeping them out of high-traffic areas to prevent accidents, especially around pets and children who might play with light strands or electrical decorations.

For those seeking to minimize waste, the Office of Sustainability encourages the public to use reusable serving ware and to properly plan meals to avoid excess. They frequently remind to compost food scraps using the City's green cart program. Solid Waste Management provides a clear outline of recycling do's and don'ts, urging residents to correctly categorize items to prevent contamination in blue, brown, and green recycling carts. Their guidelines are crucial for anyone looking to maintain responsible waste practices during a typically high-waste period, according to the city's news release.