Tag Archives: christmas

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MERRY CHRISTMAS!

While the kids are counting down the days until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the rest of the families are scurrying about to get a few last-minute gifts, making sure that all the grocery list has been filled, and thinking about all there is to do until that special time.

All the folks at Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and that your loved ones will be safe and well.  There will be lots of travelers on the highways, and we urge you to be mindful of getting to your destination safely. Many of our friends are stranded in airports in northern parts of the country, due to bad weather.  We hope everyone gets to their point of arrival without any problems.  It’s always a good idea if you are going by car to take along some supplies, just in case.  Be sure to have your cell phone with you, and please don’t text while you are driving!

Also, this is a time of the year that there are many folks that are not fortunate enough to have any packages under the tree, or even a tree, for that matter.  Keep them in your heart and do what you can to help.  There will be people that are just happy to have a warm meal, or a place to stay.  Hopefully, in the coming year, we will see an increase in jobs for the unemployed, and fewer people losing their homes.

If the old saying “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link” has any truth to it, we must all stand together to become strong.  Keep this in mind when you see someone who needs a little boost, either physically or emotionally.  Be thankful for what you have and remember the foundation you were given to be able to provide for your family.

Have a blessed and Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

IS IT ALREADY DECEMBER?

Where in the world has 2009 gone?  We have 31 days left of this year, and we need to do all we can to make this hectic time a safe and healthy one!  With the upcoming celebrations, keep driving safety in mind, watching for the other drivers, as well.  Getting ready for the holidays is great fun, with all the extra goodies at work and parties!  Then reality hits (with a few extra pounds), and New Year’s Resolutions are made!  Maybe it would be a good idea if we don’t indulge quite as much during December; then we won’t have that many extra pounds to worry about.

Notable days in December are:

  • World AIDS Day is December 1 (Tuesday)
  • Pearl Harbor Day is December 7  (Monday)
  • Hanukkah begins December 12 (Saturday)
  • 1st Day of Winter – December 21 (Monday)
  • Christmas Eve – December 24 (Thursday)
  • Christmas – December 25 (Friday)
  • Kwanzaa begins December 26 (Saturday)
  • New Year’s Eve – December 31 (Thursday)

December 6 – 12 is Hand Washing Awareness Week, something we have all preached about with the H1N1 virus hanging around!

December is also National Month of:

  • Human Rights
  • Read A New Book
  • Safe Toys and Gifts
  • Love Your Neighbor
  • Universal Human Rights
  • Colorectal Cancer Awareness
  • Stress-Free Family Holiday Month (love this one!)

There are too many to list, but here are a few Days Of that are recognized:

  • Disabled Persons Awareness
  • Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day (Dec. 4th) (Good one!)
  • Teacher Appreciation Day
  • Don’t Be a Scrooge

Enjoy this busy time of the year, and as always, keep safety in mind, both at work or play.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

THINK SAFETY WHEN TOY SHOPPING

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We all know how busy Santa must be right now!  He’s probably checking that list for the last time!    If you know any of his helpers, these are a few tips they might consider:

  • Buy age-appropriate toys.  Even though some children are exceptionally bright, most toys’ designs are suited for their age.
  • Be aware of toys that may contain lead paint.  Federal limits for lead in paint dropped to 90 parts per million, the lowest in the world, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
  • Check labels and do not assume that all toys are safe.  They must be properly labeled.
  • If you purchase toys online, be careful, as hazard warnings are not always given.
  • Avoid toys with cords or long strings, as they could cause strangulation in small children.
  • Toys for tots should not have sharp edges or points.
  • Be sure soft, plush animals are washable and have secure eyes and noses that won’t come off.
  • You can be assured that little ones are going to put anything they can in their mouths, so be careful in choosing the size of squeeze toys, rattles, etc.
  • Paints and crayons should have ASTM D4236 on the package (American Society for Testing and Materials).For grade school children, helmets should be given along with bikes, scooters, skateboards, or inline skates.
  • Purchase arrows or darts with soft tips.
  • BB or pellet guns should not be purchased for children under age 16.
  • Avoid balloons, magnets and toys with small parts when selecting gifts for children under age 6.
  • If you choose electric toys, be sure they have the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) seal, to ensure the parts have been tested for safety.
  • Grandparents and other relatives should confer with parents when selecting certain toys, especially if they require supervision.

In 2008, the Commission reported 19 toy-related deaths and approximately 172,700 hospital emergency room toy-related treatments to children under 15.  Nearly half of these injuries (82,300) involved children under 5 years of age.    In order to make this holiday a joyous one, take time to consider the safety factors in selecting just the right playthings for your youngsters.