Holiday Hazard- out of town guests

Host Out of Town Guests Safely

  Ok- you said "Yes" to hosting Christmas this year. Eeeek!
Now take a breath and make a plan. There is a lot to consider when you have out of town guests. Menus, activities and SAFETY! You want to make sure this special time with the aunts, uncles and grandparents isn't messed up by having to rush someone to the hospital.
   Before your guests arrive, look around your house from their point of view. Look for potential hazards ahead of time.  If young children are coming, is your home child proofed? Make sure lighters, matches and any chemicals are out of reach. How about medication? You may to change where you keep your meds. Or if you have children and your guests bring in medication, you need to give them a safe place to keep their things out of your children's reach. Is there a medicine cabinet for medication? a dresser to keep purses on?
   If older Grandparents are coming, where are they sleeping? Can they walk the stairs - or do they need a downstairs bedroom? Hallway night lights are inexpensive and can help insure a safe walk to the bathroom or kitchen in the middle of the night.  Bathtubs and Showers can be dangerous for anyone. Consider putting in non-slip mats in the guest bathrooms.
   Have emergency numbers handy in case of an accident. Make sure your guests know where to find them in case you are the one injured. We keep ours on the side of the refrigerator.
Hopefully you enjoy your time with out of town guests. If not, consider suggesting a near by hotel...
Either way, a little bit of pre-planning can insure everyone's safety during this Holiday Season! 



 

Holiday Hazards-Decorating Safely

Decorating without Burning the House Down

Each year, fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of more than 400 Americans, injure 1,650 more, and cause more than $990 million in damage.
   Candle-related fires are one of the most common holiday home hazards, averaging more than 12,000 each year. So make sure you keep those Advent and Chanukah  candles away from flammable items and blow them out when you leave the room.
   Another  indoor fire hazards this time of year is the Christmas Tree. You want to place the tree at least three feet from any heat source, such as the fire place, a radiator or candles. If you have a an artificial tree, make sure the box is labeled or certified by the manufacturer as Fire-retardant. If you have a real tree, remember a moist tree is less likely to catch fire than a dry one. When selecting your tree, check to see if the needles fall off when touched- this indicates a dry tree. To keep it moist, keep water in the tree stand and check it daily. 
   One of the biggest fire hazards is the fire place. Everyone loves a roaring fire when it is cold out. But it can cause horrible damage if proper care is not taken. Be careful that you hang those stockings with care! Make sure your damper is open and cover your fireplace with a screen or grate. Again- curb that temptation to put the tree next to the fire place. It will make a lovely picture, but the consequences can be deadly. On Christmas morning, grab a garbage bag to throw the wrapping paper in. Tossing it into your fireplace can create enough sparks and embers to start a fire outside the fireplace. 
Decorations help us feel festive during this wonderful time of year. But let's decorate with safety in mind!

   If you do have a fire, get your family out of the house and call 911. Call you insurance company once everyone is safe.

If you have questions about your Homeowner's Insurance, 
please contact us at  The Brockman Agency  or call toll free 877-987-8683

Holiday Hazards- kids and decorating

Holiday Decorations can be 

Hazardous to Your Kids!

We all know kids are attracted to shiny baubles. And Holiday Decorations are full of shiny baubles.
Let's start with the Christmas Tree. If you have toddlers in the home, try to keep the lights and ornaments up higher. They love to grab at things and the tree poses a tipping- over risk. And they love to put things in their mouth. Smaller ornaments low on the tree are a choking hazard  for little ones.
Decorations can pose all types of hazards. Hanukkah and Christmas candles need to be kept out of reach. Tablecloths are a temptation for little hands who like to pull on things. Broken glass/plates, falling hot food and candles are a few of the posibilites. Keep greenery out of reach as well. While Poinsettias are not poisonous, as many believe, Mistletoe berries ARE.
Those wrapped presents are very pretty, but they are choking hazards. Also it is fun to play in those styrofoam peanuts, but they are also just small enough for little ones to put in their mouth.
If you have children under feet in the kitchen, take extra care when moving hot pans, opening the oven or cooking over burners. Our little ones do not know the dangers, but we do.
Keep those babies safe this Holiday Season!

Read a great article to learn more at parenting.com 

Holiday Hazards- dogs vs Chocolate

Dogs and Chocolate is a Dangerous Combination!

Theobromine, a compound present in chocolate that is toxic to dogs but not humans, could cause a range of symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea, seizures, coma, or even death. Potential toxic doses vary by breed size and weight, but unsweetened cocoa and baking chocolate pose the highest risk, while milk chocolate is least threatening. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic amount of chocolate, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Centerat 888-426-4435.

Thanks to  This Old House  for this great tip!

Safeguard ALL of your loved ones this season!