Winter Safety!
POSSIBLE HAZARDS OUTDOORS:
What's the weather been like in the last 24 hours?
Has it been windy, freezing, snowing, raining or sunny and warm?
In what condition are the walkways and roads around where you work and live?
This is the time of year we experience the most hip, head, and wrist injuries with our seniors. They slip and fall on the icy, uneven sidewalks, cracks and fallen loose debris. We should coat the walkways with salt or sand before it snows or freezes. We should shovel the snow as soon as possible and keep walkways clear of leaves and branches. If our seniors have a walking aid, make sure they use it even if they are just going a short distance from the house.
We all are very busy with our day to day life, but when we are coming and going from home or work, we should also be aware of the conditions of walkways and roads. We also should slow down a bit because of these conditions, make two or three trips to the car to carry in the groceries and make sure our feet are firmly planted while lifting or moving snow or debris. Is our footwear appropriate to the conditions of the day?
WINTER HAZARDS INDOORS:
We have just come in from outside; it was cold, damp and wet out there. Let's turn up the heat, add a log to the fire or turn on an electrical heating appliance.
When we came in the door, did water fall on the floor from our clothes or boots? We should mop or clean up the water before someone has the chance to slip or fall on the wet floor.
Now we have turned up the heat or added a log to the fire. Have these appliances had their cleaning, maintenance, and filters or flues checked? We need to dry our clothes. Has the lint trap in the dryer been emptied? Lets empty it every time we dry our clothes.
We are very cold and want instant heat. We sit in front of an electrical heater. Is it the kind that turns off if knocked over? We know that flammable materials should not be closer than three feet to electrical heaters. We know not to overload electrical outlets. Electrical heaters should be turned off if not monitored or when we go to bed.
If the electricity goes out in our home, we know we cannot cook or heat our house with outside barbeques. Candles should be monitored at all times so children, pets, or wind won't knock them over. Never go to bed with a candle still burning.
CHRISTMAS TREES:
Natural Christmas Tree:
Before buying a tree, test for freshness by tapping the base of the tree on the ground or pulling lightly on a limb. If many needles falloff or needles can be easily pulled off, the tree is too dry.
Keep your tree as fresh as possible by placing the stump of the tree in a bucket of water outdoors until you are ready to decorate. Before setting up the tree inside the house, trim two inches off the stem diagonally so it can absorb water. Mount the tree securely in a large, wide based reservoir stand and add water each day to ensure the tree is well watered.
Choose a suitable location for your tree, ensuring that it is well away from heating sources and clear of all exits.
Artificial Trees:
Though fireproof, metal or aluminum trees are electrically conductive and cannot be decorated with any electrical product. The metal can cause a short and a fire, or simply become "hot" or deliver a nasty shock. Aluminum trees can be illuminated by a colorful spotlight placed a safe distance from the tree, as set out in the manufacturer's instructions.
CANDLES:
Never use lit candles as decorations on Christmas trees.
Place candles in non-tip candle holders and ensure they are well away from the Christmas tree or other combustible materials.
Never leave lit candles unattended and ensure that they are always out of the reach of children.
Teach your children that matches and lighters are tools, not toys and store where children can't reach them.
INDOOR LIGHTS AND ELECTRICAL DECORATIONS:
Examine light strings, cords, plugs and receptacles before using. Discard any that have frayed cords, cracks in the lamp holders, or loose connections.
Do not overload electrical circuits or extension cords, and follow instructions on cord labels regarding connecting light strings to extension cords.
Always unplug the light string before attempting to replace a bulb.
Avoid using timers on indoor lights. Tree lights could turn on when no one is at home and create a potential fire hazard. Always turn Christmas lights off before leaving home or going to sleep.