Tag Archives: home safety

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)

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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!

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

FORECLOSED HOMES – “GREEN POOLS”

Once, it was thought that someone who lived in a $500,000 or $1,000,000 home had the world on a string.  But for many, that dream has become a nightmare.  Because of the declining economy of the past several years, foreclosed homes are dotting the streets all over the country…. modest homes or million dollar ones.  Persons who are facing foreclosure on their homes are not as concerned with the upkeep of the house when they know they won’t be there much longer.

One of the horrible realities of the more exclusive homes is the condition of the swimming pools, where families once played.  They have turned from turquoise blue to emerald green, or “green pools”, which are actually not so emerald, but a dark, murky green.  These pools are breeding grounds for millions of mosquitoes, which carry the West Nile virus, posing a health hazard for neighbors.

According to an ABC News report, Chris Miller, a biologist with Contra Costa Mosquito Vector and Control District in California, is in control of breeding tiny, cannibalistic fish – Gambuzia Affinis.  No larger than 2 ½”, they eat mosquitoes.  He says an adult female can eat up to 500 mosquitoes a day.  Bags of 150 fish are sent out with each pool crew dispatched to inspect green pools in his district.

These popular little fish are being used across the country to help with the problem of green pools.  After chemical solutions are used to suffocate mosquito larvae, the fish are then released into the water to eat the remaining larvae, gnats, algae and other vegetation. Abandoned pools should not be drained, as the pool walls can crack and cause damage to surrounding ground.  Also, a drained pool can partially fill up with rainwater, thereby creating a hazard to children who might wander into the yard.  The best option is to keep these pools filled and kept clean.

This responsibility should fall on the real estate agent who has taken over the property.  When a home is foreclosed, most times the electricity and water are turned off.  Someone has to see that that doesn’t happen, in order for the property to be maintained.  A well-kept property is much easier to sell than one that has become run down, and a hazard to the entire neighborhood.  There are many other health hazards that abandoned houses present.  As warm weather is here, the issue with the swimming pools has again surfaced, making those who live next to them victims of circumstance.

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Home Safety Products, Uncategorized

Think Safety on Purpose

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Below is a testimonial from a friend who, like most of us, did not consider the dangers of doing even normal household and maintenance chores without protection.  I know I’ve trimmed trees and hedges dozens of times without using protection.  I think now I will reconsider!

Several years ago I stuck a mulberry branch stob into my right eye.  I had laser surgery and was not wearing glasses, the first form of eye protection.  My accident caused me to endure two additional surgeries and an extra year of treatment.  Since then, and due to my unfortunate experience, I wear safety goggles during all my tree trimming yard work.  They are not an inconvenience, and are much easier to deal with than almost blinding yourself.

Bill La Barr

United Methodist Church

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

HOT WATER SAFETY

A risk we don’t often think about is having the temperature in your home water heater set too high.  The ideal safe temperature setting is 120°F, or just below the medium setting.  According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 3,800 injuries and 34 deaths occur in the home due to scalding from excessively hot tap water each year.  The majority of these injuries are to children and older adults.

Water temperatures of  150°F (66°C) can cause a burn in 2 seconds; 140°F (60°C) can cause a burn in only 6 seconds; 125°F (52°C) can cause a burn in 2 minutes; and 120°F (49°C) takes only 10 minutes to cause a burn.

Edward Christophersen, Ph.D. writes: “The best way to measure the temperature of your heater is to do it in the morning, before anyone in your home has used any hot water. Turn on the hot water at the kitchen sink and let it run for 2 minutes. Then, using either an outdoor thermometer or a candy thermometer, hold the thermometer in the stream of the water until the reading stops going up. If your water-heater setting is at a safe level (between 120°F and 125°F, or 49°C to 52°C), you don’t have to do anything. There is no advantage to setting the thermostat below 120°F (49°C).”

If your hot water setting is too high, and you are unable to reset it, call your electric, gas, or fuel supplier to adjust the temperature.  Never take hot water for granted.  Domestic hot water poses dangers of burns and scalds, so always be aware of this fact.

Because many burns happen to small children and infants, here are some rules to follow for safely bathing them:

1.    Hand-test water before placing child in the water.  Spread your fingers and completely go through water, checking for hot spots.
2.    DO NOT place child in tub while water is still running.  Their skin is especially sensitive, and it could only take seconds for a burn to occur.
3.    NEVER leave child unattended.  Besides the risk of drowning, children could turn the hot water on while you leave to answer the phone or door.

Remember:  The most painful burn is the one you could have prevented!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

PREVENTING HOME COOKING FIRES

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that in 2005, an estimated 164,400 reported U.S. home structure fires involving cooking equipment resulted in 480 deaths, 4,690 civilian injuries, and $876 million in direct property damage.

The kitchen is the main area in the home where fires occur. The following is good advice to follow to minimize the chances of one starting in your kitchen:

  • Never leave cooking unattended.
  • Keep towels, pot holders and other flammable items away from stove surfaces.
  • Loose clothing can catch fire.  Wear short or close fitting sleeves.
  • Plugging too many appliances into the same outlet may start an electrical fire.
  • Keep cooking surfaces clean to prevent food and grease build-up.
  • Turn handles of pans inward to prevent food spills, or small children reaching up for them.
  • Replace any cracked or frayed cords on appliances.

If you have a cooking fire in your kitchen:

  • Slide a pan lid over flames to smother a grease or oil fire, then turn off the heat and leave the lid in place until the pan cools. Never carry the pan outside.
  • Keep the oven door shut and turn off the heat to smother an oven or broiler fire.
  • For a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave. Call the fire department and make sure to have the oven serviced before you use it again.
  • Make sure you have a multipurpose ABC rated extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it.
  • Evacuate the area and call the fire department immediately if the fire does not go out quickly.

NY State Office of Fire Prevention

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

OFF-THE-JOB SAFETY

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It is proven that companies that promote off the job safety as well as on the job safety have lower workplace/injury/illness rates than those who do not.  Off the job accidents average $700 per employee per year for costs in medical and other expenses, and $1,000 per employee per year in medical costs for dependents.  Lost time production, training new workers, lost sales, insurance expenses and administrative costs add up for the employer.  It pays for companies to organize a safety program for that addresses the importance of a safe home and play atmosphere.

Just because whatever we want to do away from work is our time, some of the things that we do result in injuries that take us away from work more than we want to be!  One of the main causes of loss of life and injury outside the workplace is the motor vehicle accident.  Whether it is driving a race car, boat, regular auto, or engaging in sports, shopping, cooking….. accidents are  there– just waiting to happen!

Many companies assign teams, which include senior managers as well as employee representatives to plan the type of safety training that applies to the individual family’s needs.
Team leaders would develop a program for families ensuring parents, spouses, children, and friends are included.  Success would depend on keeping the employees interested in the program.  Make it fun for everyone to discuss and share experiences of accidents they may have been involved in, and how it could have been prevented.

Some suggested topics that the teams could work on:

  • Driving topics, i.e., fighting traffic, for residents of larger cities; and rural driving problems that are encountered by workers living in rural areas.
  • Staying safe while enjoying outdoor activities
  • Shopping safely with children- shopping cart accidents cause head injuries in toddlers
  • Home Safety – make checklists
  • Effects of alcohol
  • Boating Safety
  • ATV’s
  • Cooking Safety Outdoors
  • Playing Sports
  • Holiday Safety

Keeping the program diversified is the key to success.  Prizes or gift certificates could be awarded to the team having the most involvement, according to employee and family participation.  Making safety a priority at home and work results in a more secure world for all.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIMES COMES TO AN END, (FOR 2008!)

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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 2 on your calendar to change your clocks!  We “Spring Forward” and “Fall Backward” every year.

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.

Uncategorized

KIDS AND THE INTERNET

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Although October is almost gone, this month marks National Cyber Security Awareness Month.  Many kids have their own computers, and hopefully, parents monitor their behavior on the computer as well as any other activities they participate in.  There are online predators just waiting out there in cyberspace to prey on innocent children.

According to a Utah state press release: “Entertainment Software Association sponsored a pilot program called Web Wise Kids.  Quoting the Attorney General of Utah, Mike Shurtleff: “kids enjoy the games and parents and educators love the games featured because they can save lives.  Real actors in real storylines from actual crimes create a game that educates its players in Internet safety, as well as delivering riveting action.”

There are many programs that educate parents and their kids in Internet safety.  ChildNet International, Kid Smart, and Know It All are just a few.  The information is out there for all to take advantage of.  Why not take a few minutes to read up on how to avoid possible dangers that are lurking?

Children need to be taught to maintain a high standard of personal safety and responsibility online.  They can’t play it too safe!

A good idea is to have their computer in the kitchen, or somewhere else that provides the parents accessibility at any time; this lets your child know that you are interested in their safety at all times.

Remind your children:

  • Never post their full name, school, home address, phone number, etc. online.
  • Never post their picture.
  • All the information they post will be there forever.
  • Grownups that try to befriend kids on the Internet are losers; they have no life, so they go online, and should be avoided.
  • If your child receives communication from a suspicious person, tell them to not be afraid to tell you.  Then notify your local authorities.  It’s better to be safe than sorry.
  • Email only their real friends, not cyberspace ones!

Although computers are a wonderful tool for educational and entertainment purposes, it’s wise to let your kids know that they are fortunate to have a computer, but if they drift off into the wrong places, it could haunt them later when they are wanting to enter college, or get a job.  We all need to remember to post only things we would want seen in public the same way we display them in person.