Blog Archive
Tis the Season to Prevent Accidents at Home
It is easy to let events get out of hand. But if we plan carefully, we can avoid many preventable accidents. Remember, a stitch in time saves nine.
The last thing we all want is to have a preventable accident at anytime of the year. But with the holidays, when time is short and we all have a million tasks on our minds, it never hurts to keep the following at the top of the list.
Decorations
Our holiday decorations are beautiful and festive. But unless we take care to ensure that our Christmas tree is safe, it could lead to serious problems. If you have an artificial tree, be certain it is flame retardant. If you have a real tree, then you need to make certain that it is kept watered at all times. A dry pine tree burns quickly. If you have outdoor decorations, be certain that the outdoor bushes and trees are in good condition as well.
Also, after putting out decorations, walk (or crawl) through your home to ensure that these items are out of reach of young people.
Holiday Plants
What would the holidays be without some mistletoe? But did you know that it is highly dangerous to children and pets? So is holly berries, Jerusalem cherry, peace lily, and amaryllis. Keep these out of the reach of children and pets.
Cooking
I can still remember the smells coming from my mother's kitchen, and her telling us to stop roughhousing in the living room. Remember to watch your food carefully when trying to multitask during the holidays. Especially anything in the oven. Check the smoke detectors prior to the holiday season. If you are deep frying that turkey, please be especially careful. Don't try to cook it in or near any structures. Also, don't try to deep fry a frozen or partially frozen turkey. It could explode or splatter oil on those close by.
Toys
We all love the looks on the faces of our kids and grandchildren as they open their gifts. When choosing these gifts, be certain they are age appropriate. Toys with small parts can cause choking hazards for small children.
Driving
We are seeing freezing temperatures now that fall has arrived. With the right conditions, the roads can become extremely dangerous with ice. Make certain you leave enough time to get where you are going and that the kids are in their age-appropriate seating.
Conclusion
Be certain to take the time to do what you know is best. Let's all make it through this holiday season accident free.
Decorations
Our holiday decorations are beautiful and festive. But unless we take care to ensure that our Christmas tree is safe, it could lead to serious problems. If you have an artificial tree, be certain it is flame retardant. If you have a real tree, then you need to make certain that it is kept watered at all times. A dry pine tree burns quickly. If you have outdoor decorations, be certain that the outdoor bushes and trees are in good condition as well.
Also, after putting out decorations, walk (or crawl) through your home to ensure that these items are out of reach of young people.
Holiday Plants
What would the holidays be without some mistletoe? But did you know that it is highly dangerous to children and pets? So is holly berries, Jerusalem cherry, peace lily, and amaryllis. Keep these out of the reach of children and pets.
Cooking
I can still remember the smells coming from my mother's kitchen, and her telling us to stop roughhousing in the living room. Remember to watch your food carefully when trying to multitask during the holidays. Especially anything in the oven. Check the smoke detectors prior to the holiday season. If you are deep frying that turkey, please be especially careful. Don't try to cook it in or near any structures. Also, don't try to deep fry a frozen or partially frozen turkey. It could explode or splatter oil on those close by.
Toys
We all love the looks on the faces of our kids and grandchildren as they open their gifts. When choosing these gifts, be certain they are age appropriate. Toys with small parts can cause choking hazards for small children.
Driving
We are seeing freezing temperatures now that fall has arrived. With the right conditions, the roads can become extremely dangerous with ice. Make certain you leave enough time to get where you are going and that the kids are in their age-appropriate seating.
Conclusion
Be certain to take the time to do what you know is best. Let's all make it through this holiday season accident free.
