Tag Archives: Safety Tips

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

1 Comment

There are various opinions about the origin of this holiday, which is celebrated by the United States and Canada.   Some facts we have found are that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Texas, by the Spanish explorer, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in 1541.  Pilgrims gathered in 1621 to celebrate a successful harvest.  In the United States, in 1939, the fourth Thursday in November was named as the official holiday.  The second Monday in October is Canada’s national Thanksgiving holiday.  There are probably many other theories about when and how the holiday began, but the main theme of today’s article is to have a Happy and Safe one!

This is the time of year when folks become rushed, getting ready for the big day!  The most dangerous and deadly time of the year is from now through the end of the year, according to traffic statistics.  Drunk drivers, drivers and passengers who are not wearing seatbelts, and those simply in a big hurry, account for accidents that can cause not-so-happy memories for all involved.  Even if you are going to save lots of money getting to that “Black Friday” sale the day after Thanksgiving, consider the consequences and slow down!

Here’s a few basic, common sense hints to make your holiday feast successful:

  • In planning your meal, keep in mind those who might have food allergies.
  • Childproof your home.
  • Prepare the meal safely; use protective gloves when handling hot dishes.
  • If you choose a fresh turkey, do not purchase it until 1-2 days before you plan to cook it.
  • Thaw your frozen bird in the refrigerator 24 hrs per each 5 lbs.
  • Lest you forget to thaw the turkey, you may thaw it in the microwave if it isn’t too big; be sure to use the power level for thawing, and cook immediately once it is thawed.
  • Leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking.
  • Use the refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days.
  • Keep Fido or Tabby safe this Thanksgiving; a little turkey meat won’t hurt, but don’t give them bones from the bird, as they can splinter and be dangerous.  Foods that are spiced with garlic, etc., are not meant for animals.  Your beloved pets will be just as happy with their regular diet.

We hope that each and every one will travel safely, not eat too much, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

DO Y0U PREACH TO THE CHOIR?

For more than a year now, I have been talking about safety: at home, work, and play.  I have researched all types of accidents and how they might have been avoided.  By writing about safety-related issues, I have prided myself on the things I have learned through research. Preached to my family, from swine flu to staying hydrated while playing sports- my expertise has been offered to anyone who would listen, whether they wanted to or not.

A bad thing happened this week: a friend of mine fell from her back porch, breaking her arm in two places, as well as receiving a black eye and bruised ego.  And what was the first thing I did when I saw her in the E.R? Aside from telling her how sorry I was that this terrible accident happened to her, I advised her to carry her cell phone in her pocket from now on, so she could call for help. (Unable to get up after the fall, she was on the ground for more than an hour before her husband came home and called for an ambulance.)

Later, I began to think: my cell phone is not always in my pocket.  When I am running a short errand, my seat belt sometimes is not buckled up, even though it is the law.  I’m still tempted to talk on the cell phone while driving down the road, but I have realized that it is not the safest thing to do, so I have cut down on those calls.  It’s very tempting to drive through a yellow traffic light, just as it’s changing.  And how many of us haven’t run a stop/yield sign at one time or another?  An added note: (the chief of police in our little town ran a yield sign just yesterday, and almost hit my son’s truck.)

If we all took the time to consider the little chances we take on a daily basis that could result in mishaps, we probably could figure out ways to ensure an accident won’t happen.  Example: my friend will need a rail to hold on to when she enters or leaves her house.  And I bet that rail will be put up when she comes home from the hospital.  She has had a number of surgeries, and if a rail had been there, maybe that fall could have been prevented.

Sometimes in life, we all need a rail or someone to hold on to.  Think about ways that would make your life safer.  We all need to practice what we preach.  I promise I will from now on!

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

SAFETY ADVICE FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES

1 Comment

It doesn’t matter if you are a student, young adult, or older person, women of all ages need to be careful at all times.  Predators exist in this world, just waiting for the right moment of vulnerability, so it pays to be on the alert.  You may have other ideas you would like to share that just might save someone’s life.  Here are some of our thoughts:

  • If you are working/studying late, let someone know where you are, and what time you plan to arrive home.
  • Use the “buddy system”, there’s safety in numbers.  Stay away from dark areas and places like parks and alleys.
  • If you are going for a walk, take confident, quick strides. Take your cell phone.
  • If you are visiting someone in a hospital, avoid getting in an elevator/stairway alone.
  • Again, keep that cell phone handy at all times.
  • On public transportation, sit near the driver or conductor.
  • Wherever you have parked your car, have your keys ready when you leave the building.  When you get to your car, check under and inside it before you unlock it, and then lock it as soon as you get in.
  • If there is a security person in the parking area that you use, ask him/her to walk with you, if you are uneasy.
  • At work, keep your purse and personal belongings in a locked desk or locker.
  • While shopping, don’t leave your purse in the dressing room if you step out momentarily.
  • When you stop at a traffic light, or maybe a convenience store, keep your car doors locked.  It only takes a second to lock it while you are looking through your purse for something while you are parked in front of a store.
  • If you work at night, or late hours, keep the door to your work area locked if you are alone.
  • Have numbers of security and police available.
  • Ask your employer to have security or police check your place of work regularly.

There was an interesting segment on television the other night regarding single women on a first date.  It seems there is a growing number of women that prefer to take their vehicle on a first date.  They feel they are safer driving their own car by being in control of their destination and not at the mercy of someone they may not know that well.

If you have other suggestions, or have had an experience that you know will help others, we would love to hear from you.  We all are working toward making this a safer world.