I realize that home safety is a topic with many facets, however I would like to share with you a few examples of Home Safety that I see around my own home.
Statistics have always shown an increase in the number of accidents in the home when we are exposed to a change in routine, unusual distractions and increased stress levels. These factors all come together during Christmas – New Years.
The risk from fire also increases as more time is spent at home, often with guests. Combined with alcohol, this can make homes more vulnerable to accidental fires.
However by keeping a few simple safety steps in mind, we can all enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
It is absolutely vital to use a proper stepladder when putting up or taking down decorations in positions that you cannot normally reach. The few minutes required to get a proper stepladder can save a very painful fall.
Care must be taken not to overload wall sockets with Christmas lights and other electrical decorations. Avoid the use of long extension cords.
Remember to keep the tree away from floor heaters, fireplaces, or other heat sources, even if it is artificial.
Use only UL-listed lights, no more than 3 strands linked together and consider replacing your old lights with the new miniature lights with cool-burning bulbs. Lower your electric bill and your risk of fire with these new lights!
Remember, an extension cord and wires should never be warm to the touch! If they are, unplug some of the decorations immediately.
Avoid tree decorations that are made from thin glass that can break easily, as these pieces are very sharp and can injure a youngster crawling around the tree.
Always turn off the Christmas lights and decorations at bedtime, or if you leave your home for an extended period.
Never, never, never use candles to decorate the tree; even an artificial tree.
Do not leave any burning candle unattended.
Discarded wrapping paper and boxes represents a significant fire hazard in your home. Tidy up these items ASAP and put them in a safer location, well away from any heat source.
Never burn wrapping paper in your fireplace; it can result in a very large fire very quickly, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers and may even result in a chimney fire.
Keep toys, games, decorations with small parts and button batteries out of reach of young children, babies and toddlers can choke on these small items. Also remember to clear away the last dregs of drinks left in glasses before you go to bed, as even very small amounts of alcohol can poison young children.
The holiday season is the time of greatest activity in the kitchen and a little extra effort and organization in keeping worktops and stovetops tidy can pay dividends. Make sure that all hot, heavy or sharp objects are well back from the edges, with pot handles turned in so as to reduce the risks of any accidents. This is especially important with excited youngsters around.
Apply the basic food safety measures when handling any meal. With the stress of the moment, it is easy to overlook a vital food safety step.
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling raw food products.
- Ensure clean utensils and cooking surfaces are used when preparing foods.
- Don’t cross-contaminate by allowing foods and their juices to come into contact with one another during preparation.
- Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood on a plate or tray, so raw juices don’t drip onto other foods in your refrigerator.
- Use one cutting board for raw meat products, another one for salads and other ready-to-eat foods, or wash cutting boards in between each use with soap and a few ounces of bleach.
- Never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry, or seafood unless the plate has been thoroughly washed.
- Eat the meal as soon as it is prepared.
- Never keep salads that contain meats, cheese or fish out of the fridge for more than two hours.
- Refrigerate leftovers As Soon As Possible; cut the meat off the bones or into slices and put it in shallow containers in the refrigerator. Food that takes too long to cool can still grow harmful bacteria in your refrigerator.
- Reheat all leftovers to 165°F (use your thermometer). Gravy should be brought to a rolling boil.
Finally, as you do in every season of the year, have working smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Also consider installing Carbon Monoxide detectors in you home. There have been far too many cases of Carbon Monoxide deaths reported so far this year.
And last, but not least, please take the time to check on elderly relatives, friends and neighbors this time of the year – make sure they are safe and secure.
Have a Great Holiday.
Sincerely:
Allan Wright
