Holiday Tips: Safety Topics - December 2018 - Week 2

 

Monday - It's the Holiday Season

The holidays are upon us. This is a crazy time of year with lots to do and little time. First off let’s start by simplifying our to-do lists. 

  • Take your regular normal weekly or monthly to-do list and cut it in half. Before telling yourself “I can’t do that”, stop and think, what’s the worst that can happen if you don’t finish everything today? More than likely, these tasks can wait.
  • Make your holiday season a little easier by buying baked goods instead of spending a whole day baking.
  • If you come from a big family, consider drawing names and assigning a reasonable limit on what is spent. 
  • Don’t drive yourself to injury or mental breakdown trying to clean your whole house. Focus on just the areas where your guests will be. Remember, your guests are there to see you and your family, not judge your housekeeping!
  • Be grateful. We spend so much time worrying about what we do not have or have not done and don’t spend nearly enough time being thankful.
  • Remember those who have lost a loved one, this time is especially hard for them. Reach out and let them know you care and are thinking of them.

Tuesday - Holiday Safety Gift Ideas

Need a last minute gift idea for family or friends? Nothing could be more special than giving a gift of safety that just might save their life.

Here are some gift ideas:

  • Smoke detectors and batteries.
  • A quality fire extinguisher.
  • A flashlight and batteries or light sticks.
  • A first-aid kit.
  • An automobile safety kit including jumper cables, flares, fix-a-flat, reflectors.
  • A carbon monoxide detector.
  • A mobile phone.
  • A second floor escape ladder.
  • An "Emergency kit"- energy bars, water, battery radio, flashlight/light sticks and a first-aid kit packed in a small travel bag.
  • A kinetic flashlight that doesn’t need batteries.
  • A weather alert radio or a radio that runs by cranking rather than batteries.
  • A talking smoke detector if they have small children.
  • A bicycle helmet.
  • A GFCI extension cord.

Many of these items we don't think about until we NEED them or it's too late. Consider giving the gift of safety this holiday season.  

Wednesday - Winter Holiday Safety

During the holiday season with all the stress, work, crowds, and tight schedules, take an extra 5 minutes for safety to ensure all your holiday activities are done safely.

Statistics show that almost 2000 Christmas related injuries occurred between 2011 and 2015 but what caused these injuries? Let’s take a few minutes to discuss these dangers.

  • Take caution while decorating. One misstep or a lack of attention can cause serious injury.
  • Be careful trimming and disposing of Christmas trees.
  • If opening presents with scissors or a knife, go slowly and carefully.

Thursday - Sustainability Tips for your Holiday Party

This holiday season add a few sustainable shopping and cooking practices to your holiday routine. Every holiday season the amount of waste we produce increases. A little extra planning and a few changes to shopping habits can help us improve sustainability while spreading holiday cheer.

  • Planning – 25% of the food purchased in the United States is wasted and ends up in landfills generating methane gas. Plan your Christmas menu ahead of time so you only purchase what you need. Consider donating leftovers to food banks and composting food that cannot be donated.
  • Buy Locally – Most foods found in supermarkets are flown, shipped, or trucked to the store. The more miles your food travels, the more carbon emissions it generates. Buying locally is a great way to reduce the carbon emissions and have a sustainable holiday.
  • Shopping Tips – Food packaging is another opportunity to reduce your environmental impact. Individually wrapped items use more resources than bulk packaged goods.
  • Holiday Party – Use reusable plates, cups, and silverware instead of paper, plastic, or Styrofoam. Use recyclable aluminum foil instead of plastic wrap to store any leftovers.

Friday - Frost-Free Friday

Today let’s go around the group and share one thing you do to prepare for the winter season.


Tags: safety topics , health and wellness , personal home safety ,


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