Category Archives: Home Safety Products

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

HOW SAFE IS YOUR HOME?

2 Comments
Not only is the month of June National Safety Month, but also National Home Safety Month, as designated by the Home Safety Council.  We know that “a man’s home is his castle,” but how many of us have looked around to see how many hidden dangers are lurking in our castles?
For example:
q Does your family have an evacuation plan in case of fire?
q Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher?
q Do you know how to extinguish a fire on the stove or oven?
q Have you ever left your house with the washer or dryer running?
q Do you leave candles unattended?
q Do you unplug appliances such as toasters, coffee makers, waffle irons, after using them?
q Do your stairs have ample lighting at top and bottom to prevent falls?
q Are there hazards in your house that might injure a child?
q Have you installed electric plug outlets, locks on medicines, and door latches?
q Are emergency numbers such as fire department, police, etc. posted in easy-to-find places?
q Do you have an emergency supply kit that will provide water, non-perishable foods, flashlight, medications, first aid kit, etc. in case of a natural disaster?
q Is your water heater set for 120° F or less?
q Do you check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly?
q Do you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?
q When you leave for a period of time, do you make arrangements with friends, family, or neighbors to pick up your mail, papers, etc., in order to not tempt burglars?
q Have you done a check of an elderly friend or parent’s home to make sure there are no fall hazards, and that they have an alert device if they live alone?
q Do you use non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower?
q Do you constantly supervise children in or near water, such as bathtubs or pools?
These are just a few questions that everyone needs to be sure they can answer.  According to the Home Safety Council’s State of Home Safety in AmericaÔ reports, there are more than 21 million medical visits and almost 20,000 deaths that result from home injuries each year.  The Home Safety Council’s goal is to educate and empower families and businesses to take actions that will make homes safe.
We feel sure that we all can look around and see things that we could do to make our homes safer.  Those who work in the yard and gardens need to take precautions when working with machinery.  Wearing eye protection, such as wraparound safety glasses or goggles, and gloves, are necessary to protect our eyes and hands.  By keeping both the inside and outside of our homes safer, we can avoid those medical visits!
Not only is the month of June National Safety Month, but also National Home Safety Month, as designated by the Home Safety Council.  We know that “a man’s home is his castle,” but how many of us have looked around to see how many hidden dangers are lurking in our castles?
For example:
  • Does your family have an evacuation plan in case of fire?
  • Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher?
  • Do you know how to extinguish a fire on the stove or oven?
  • Have you ever left your house with the washer or dryer running?
  • Do you leave candles unattended?
  • Do you unplug appliances such as toasters, coffee makers, waffle irons, after using them?
  • Do your stairs have ample lighting at top and bottom to prevent falls?
  • Are there hazards in your house that might injure a child?
  • Have you installed electric plug outlets, locks on medicines, and door latches?
  • Are emergency numbers such as fire department, police, etc. posted in easy-to-find places?
  • Do you have an emergency supply kit that will provide water, non-perishable foods, flashlight, medications, safety kit, etc. in case of a natural disaster?
  • Is your water heater set for 120° F or less?
  • Do you check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly?
  • Do you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?
  • When you leave for a period of time, do you make arrangements with friends, family, or neighbors to pick up your mail, papers, etc., in order to not tempt burglars?
  • Have you done a check of an elderly friend or parent’s home to make sure there are no fall hazards, and that they have an alert device if they live alone?
  • Do you use non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower?
  • Do you constantly supervise children in or near water, such as bathtubs or pools?
These are just a few questions that everyone needs to be sure they can answer.  According to the Home Safety Council’s State of Home Safety in AmericaÔ reports, there are more than 21 million medical visits and almost 20,000 deaths that result from home injuries each year.  The Home Safety Council’s goal is to educate and empower families and businesses to take actions that will make homes safe.
We feel sure that we all can look around and see things that we could do to make our homes safer.  Those who work in the yard and gardens need to take precautions when working with machinery.  Wearing eye protection, such as wraparound safety glasses or goggles, and gloves, are necessary to protect our eyes and hands.  By keeping both the inside and outside of our homes safer, we can avoid those medical visits!
General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products, Uncategorized

REMEMBER TO FALL BACK NOVEMBER 1ST

In most of the United States, Daylight Saving Time begins on the 2nd Sunday in March and reverts to Standard Time the first Sunday in November.  So, mark November 1st on your calendar to change your clocks!  Each year, we “Spring Forward” and “Fall Backward”, if we don’t forget! 

To ensure that we don’t “fall backward” on safety, this marks an excellent time to do a home safety evaluation.  The National Fire Protection Association recommends that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms be checked once a year.  Their figures show that around ninety per cent of homes in the United States have smoke alarms; however one-third of those are estimated to have dead or missing batteries.  They also recommend that smoke alarms be replaced after 10 years.  Some newer types of alarms have remote controls, making it easier than ever to check them.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be:
*  Installed on every level of the home, and in sleeping areas
*  Tested once a month
*  Equipped with new batteries annually

Also, keep a fire extinguisher handy, and have a fire escape plan for every member of the family.  While you are doing your home safety evaluation, also ensure that your door locks function properly, and keep your home locked.

Here’s a great story from WFRV TV: A Milwaukee entrepreneur wants Americans to do more than spring forward and fall back for daylight saving time.  L. Maxwell McKissick suggests that when people move their clocks forward or back an hour, they donate those 60 minutes by volunteering in their communities.
McKissick is trying to start a national movement. He says gaining 60 minutes gives people time to help nonprofits or pick up trash. And he says losing 60 minutes means nonprofits have one less hour to serve their missions, so people can still give an hour, which will make a big difference in their communities, especially if millions of folks donate one hour.   He hopes the experience will also help people realize how fun and easy it is to help out.
Could you spare an hour?

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK, 2009

1 Comment

National Fire Prevention Month, which officially began in 1922, in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, has been the longest public safety and health campaign in United States history.  The National Fire Protection Association has designated the week of October 4 – 10, 2009, as National Fire Prevention Week, with its focus on burn awareness and prevention, as well as keeping homes safe from fires.  This year’s theme is “Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned!”

Here are some facts from the NFPA regarding home fires in 2008 in the United States:

  • There were 386,500 home fires, resulting in 2,755 deaths.
  • Fire departments responded to home fires every 81 seconds.
  • The kitchen is the leading area of origin for home fires.
  • Unattended cooking is one of the main causes.
  • Bedrooms and family/living rooms are the area of origin in home fires that result in death.
  • Smoking materials cause 1 in 4 fire deaths in the U.S.
  • One of four victims of fatal smoking-related fires is not the person who started the fire.
  • Furniture, mattresses, or bedding are usually the materials that catch on fire from someone smoking carelessly.
  • Space heaters cause far more fires and loss than central heat; the main reason is there are materials too close to them that can burn.
  • Electrical wiring, switches, outlets, lamps, light fixtures, and lighting equipment are also major causes of home fires.
  • Smoke alarms can cut your chances of dying in half in a reported fire.  It has been found that in more than one-half of responses to house fires, smoke alarms were present, but had no batteries, or had been dismantled because of their noise.
  • Not enough American households have a fire escape plan and practice it.
  • There were 320 deaths and $542 million in property loss last year as a result of intentionally set home structure fires.  One-half of the people arrested for arson were under age 18.

We hope these facts make you a little more aware of the danger and destruction of home fires.

I have seen first hand in our own neighborhood, the result of a person’s smoking and falling asleep: he died, as well as two innocent persons in the home, his wife and grandchild.  Many of the firefighters were young men, and had not had to deal with death from a fire before this happened.  It was a very devastating time for the family, firemen, and community.

Other articles you may wish to review are “Don’t Get Burned”, “Preventing Home Cooking Fires”, and “Fire Extinguishers”, which you may find helpful.

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

SUPERMARKET SHOPPING SAFETY TIPS

1 Comment

Most shoppers know how important it is to purchase food that is safe for their family.

As money is tight these days, saving every cent matters.  But when it comes to ensuring the health of your loved ones, keep these tips in mind:

  • Start your shopping with nonperishable items first and then dairy, frozen foods, meat and poultry toward the end of your shopping trip.
  • Beware of bargains: cans that are dented or have the tops swollen could be contaminated with bacteria.
  • Sometimes items that are out of date are still on the shelves. Look toward the back of the shelf for ones with more current dates.  Be sure to check labels.
  • Don’t buy partially thawed frozen-food packages, as they could be an invitation for bacteria.
  • Pre-packaged salads are very convenient; however, they have been known to cause foodborne-illnesses.  Wash all leafy greens thoroughly and use within a few days.
  • Notice if the cases containing milk and meats are as cold as they should be (35-40°).  If the cases are crowded, the temperature may not be low enough.
  • If you live out of town, be sure to take along an ice chest in order to keep the perishable foods cold until you get home.
  • Choose supermarkets that are clean.
  • Don’t place meats or dairy products on the door shelves, as the inside of the fridge is colder than the door.
  • All produce should be washed thoroughly.
  • If you buy prepared salads from a deli, be sure you keep them cold enough until you are ready to serve them.

Once you are home from your grocery shopping and put everything away, wash your hands thoroughly before you begin dividing up meats, and other fresh foods.  Use antibacterial wipes or other antibacterial cleansers on the cutting board, cabinet, or wherever food has been.  It pays to keep things as germ-free as possible, especially in the kitchen.

Source: Health.com

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products, Respiratory Safety, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

The United States Department of Homeland Security’s READY campaign, along with AD Council, and Citizen Corps, announced their sixth annual National Preparedness Month on September 1st.  Their purpose is to encourage Americans to be prepared for emergencies in their communities, homes, and businesses.  Americans must understand what being ready really means.  This month, this National Public Service advertising campaign will promote individual emergency preparedness to respond to emergencies including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks.

Others who actively participate in this endeavor are the Better Business Bureau, Boy Scouts of America, National Volunteer Fire Council, Home Depot, ASPCA, and the American Red Cross.

This is a true story, from my little home town:
Shortly after 9-11, one of the schools got a suspicious package in the mail. The postmark showed it was from a foreign country, and seemed to have a powdery material seeping out of it, so the secretary immediately reported it to the proper authorities.  All types of activities proceeded, as planned, with a HazMat team coming from 90 miles away, emergency responders setting up areas to wash down anyone who was possibly contaminated, hospital locked down, etc.  As it turned out, it contained some educational tapes and the packing material had become crushed in the process of being mailed.  She was very embarrassed, but she did the right thing, as the materials had not been ordered, and at that particular time, we were all nervous about the unexpected.  What we found out was, though, we were really not prepared.  Many things were done that should have been done, but not necessarily in the correct order.

In earlier articles we have presented, Being Prepared, and Dog Rescuers in Times of Disaster, we have listed tips on basic safety kits that families should have, as well as ideas for those who rescue animals in emergency situations, so you may want to review them.

It would take time to gather up all the things needed to for an emergency disaster kit, but we want to point out many basic necessities:

  • Water: 1 gallon per day, per person, for up to 3 days
  • Three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Can opener
  • Battery powered NOAA weather radio, and extra batteries
  • Flashlight
  • First Aid Kit
  • Blankets
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust Masks
  • Tools
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties
  • Prescription medications
  • Pet food, water
  • Paper products, towels, plates, etc.
  • Cell phone

Natonal Preparedness Month membership is open to the public and private sector organizations.  For information, go to www.ready.gov.  Businesses, families, school administrators, and individuals should all get involved and spread the word that we must be better prepared.

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, Home Safety Products, Uncategorized

OBSERVE LABOR DAY BY NOT LABORING

Well, another Labor Day is rolling around again. Where does the time go? Seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the Fourth of July! In case you don’t already know, here are a few facts concerning Labor Day:

  • Canada led off with the idea in 1872. Parades and other festivities honored workers following The Trade Union Act, which legalized and protected union activities.
  • In the United States, the Central Labor Union followed suit, and started the holiday for workers in 1882.
  • Labor Day became a federal holiday in the U.S. in 1894.
  • Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September.

Now that we have our facts behind us, we hope that your Labor Day holiday will be a safe one. We know that most Americans regard this holiday as the official winding up of summer fun, the beginning of school, start of football season, and last holiday until Thanksgiving.

As the dog days of summer are here, make the most of the long weekend (September 4th -September 7th) by traveling safely, allowing plenty of extra time to get to your destination and back home, in order to avoid a ticket from your friendly state trooper.

If you are going on an outing, such as fishing, camping, hiking, etc., be sure to take along your sunscreen, first aid kit, sunglasses, insect repellent, and protective gear. Because the weather is still warm, you’ll want to keep all perishable food items cold, and not leave them out of the ice chest for more than one hour. Taking along a NOAA weather radio would be a good plan, too, as this time of the year, there may be weather changes that would affect your outdoor activities.

We hope the weekend will be a good one for you, and that you go back to your job rested and/or energized for fall. Play it safe, whatever you choose to do.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

SAFE AT HOME!

No, we’re not talking baseball, even though the season is getting pretty interesting, if you’re a fan.   August 24 – 30th is National Safe at Home Week.  We all consider our home our castle; we are tucked away securely there when we get home from work, school, or other activities.  Did you know that more than 1.1 million Americans are injured yearly just from tripping while walking across their floors?  Other information from the U.S. Census Bureau states that nearly that many more are hurt on stairs or stairways at home.  Approximately 490,000 Americans are hurt annually riding bikes, as well.  Adding to the statistics from Safe at Home™, an organization that focuses on home safety, more people are hurt in their own home than at work.

So, what are we going to do about these troubling numbers?  There are many areas to focus on to ensure that our home is safe.  You may want to take a room-by-room survey to see what “home remedies” you can find.

Here are some of our ideas:

  • Childproof all cabinets.
  • Don’t leave medicines or cleaning products where children or pets can get into them.
  • Be sure to have smoke alarms and carbon dioxide monitors in the home, and change batteries as necessary.
  • Keep the house free of clutter, which poses a danger of tripping.
  • Use a stepladder rather than chair to reach something.
  • Be sure rails on stairways are secure.
  • If there’s someone who needs a little help, install handrails in the bathroom or elsewhere that can help them get up or down.
  • Check for loose carpet, which is a tripping hazard.
  • Keeping nightlights in the bathroom or bedroom help prevent falls.
  • A flashlight by the bedside comes in handy if there’s a power failure.
  • Wipe up spills on tile floors, another fall hazard.
  • Fire extinguishers in the kitchen can be extremely helpful when needed.
  • Outside lights ensure you won’t stumble in the dark.
  • And, bike riders, wear helmets!

In case some of these tips haven’t crossed your mind, this may be of help to you.  Keep your Home Sweet Home, Home Safe Home!

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

HOME SAFETY FOR TODDLERS – WINDOW BLINDS

One of the many things we do when we buy a new home or move into an apartment is choose window treatments.  Whether we have children, grandchildren, or an occasional toddler visit our home, we must be aware of certain hazards that are present.  If you select blinds to cover your windows, be sure they are the new type of cordless ones.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that on the average, once every two weeks, a toddler or infant dies from strangulation from window blind cords.  Blinds made prior to 2001 do not meet child safety regulations.

Toddlers love to climb up to look out of the window, and if they slip and fall, they could become entangled in the cords.  Infants in cribs that are placed too near a window may grab a cord, place it in their mouth, and get it wrapped around their neck.

Here are some actions you may take to ensure safety regarding this hazard:

  • Never have furniture near dangling cords in windows.
  • Buy new cordless window blinds.
  • Consider other window treatments, such as shutters or curtains.
  • If you have older blinds, get retrofit kits to make them safe.
  • Never place cribs near windows.
  • Keep the child away from blind cords.

If you want to adjust the existing blind cords that you now own, the USCPSC recommends eliminating loops on 2-corded horizontal blinds by cutting the cord above the end tassel (looks like a small wood or plastic thimble).

Remove equalizer buckle and add new tassels for each cord, or replace it with a safety break-away tassel.  Do not retie the cords in a knot, as that only recreates a new loop.  Or, you can lower blind all the way, cut cords as close to top of blind as possible and then re-install tassels.  Parents can reach, but the tots cannot!  Otherwise, use old-fashioned cord cleats, which are available at most window covering stores.

The Window Covering Safety Council provides free retrofit kits: cord stops, tassels, and tie-down devices.  Their toll-free number is 800-506-4636.  You can contact them at their website or give them a call for more information.

We just learned of a tragic accident involving some type of cord hanging from a treadmill. It’s unknown at this time just exactly how it happened, but a 4 year-old girl is in critical condition from getting strangled by this cord.  So, parents, look out for anything in your home that could be harmful!

Eye Protection, Hand Protection, Home Safety Products

YOU’VE GOT THE POWER! (FOR THOSE SUMMERTIME JOBS)

2 Comments

Tool manufacturers just keep coming up with more powerful tools for doing those outdoor jobs, whether at home, doing landscape work, or in the field. Lawn Rangers, listen up!

Power grass/weed trimmers have enough power to sling sticks, rocks, and other debris, which can get in the operator’s eyes, or injure someone standing by.  Goggles should be worn when operating trimmers.

A newer type of tool is the brush cutter, which use rigid cutting blades, rather than plastic string lines that are used on trimmers.  In addition to cutting through heavier brush, etc. they can also cut arms, hands, and legs.  Persons operating this tool should wear protective clothing in addition to eye goggles, and others need to stay away while the brush cutter is being operated.

Riding mowers are the remedy for cutting grass in larger yards.  Persons purchasing their first riding mower should become familiar with all its features before taking off.  Only responsible persons should use riding mowers.  The area to be mowed should be cleared of limbs and things that could possibly be thrown by the blades of the mower.  Riding mowers are capable of amputating hands and feet, so extreme caution should be used.  It’s not a good idea to carry passengers on the mower. Again, goggles protect your eyes.

Power mowers are another type of tool that the operator needs to understand before starting it. Be sure there are no young children in the area, and remove objects such as big sticks, etc.
Make certain it is full of fuel before starting; never refuel while it is running or the engine is hot.  Wear good shoes, not flip-flops.  Also, don’t cut grass while it is wet, as it can bunch up and damage the mower. (Remember, the goggles!)

It’s great to have these great tools, but please don’t be a part of the thousands in the “power parade” that march, (or limp) in to the emergency room!  Play it safe!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

IS YOUR FIRST AID KIT PACKED AND READY TO GO?

1 Comment

It pays to keep first aid kits in your car, home, and at work.  Generally, all workplaces have well-stocked first aid kits.  Kits should be full of supplies that are appropriate for location and planned activities.  It is a good idea for coaches of all sports for youngsters to keep a first aid kit at practice and games, and to know how to administer first aid.  Persons planning a fishing trip or camping trip may wish to fill their own kits or purchase first aid kits with basic supplies, such as:

  • Bandages
  • Alcohol pads
  • Dressings
  • Soap
  • Saline
  • Tweezers
  • Disposable gloves
  • Over the counter pain medications
  • CPR pocket mask or face shield
  • Aloe Vera gel

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) sets the standard emblem that is on first aid kits: some are green with a white cross, while others use a red cross on a white background.  The Star of Life is associated with emergency medical services, to indicate their service, which offers appropriate care.  The six branches of the star are symbols of the six main tasks executed by rescuers through the emergency chain:

Star of Life
Star of Life

At work, be sure you know where the first aid kits are located and take a course in first aid if it is offered at your place of employment.  You never know when you may need it.  If you are going on a trip, it may be the most important thing you take with you.

Source for Star of Life: Wikipedia