Let the Games Begin

Thanksgiving is over, here comes the onslaught of advertising, Christmas music, TV specials, etc..

As you begin to decorate and entertain, make sure you follow all of the proper instructions and safety procedures.

Keep your trees watered DAILY.
DO NOT over use outlets and extension cords.
Use the proper cords.
DO NOT put cords under rugs.
Remember your candles, do not leave them burning unattended.
Trim the wicks as well and keep candles away from trees and wreathes.
Watch what is on the stove at all times, make sure all burners and the oven are off when leaving the house.
Keep pot and pan handles IN when cooking, no long or loose sleeves while cooking.
Did you have your chimney cleaned this year prior to using the fireplace?
Outside water spickets shut down for the year now?
Gutters cleared of leaves and downspouts cleaned? Ice and snow buildup results in water intrusion through the roof.
PLANNED and PRACTICED escape routes in the event of a fire? THIS IS CRUCIAL. Try to walk from your bedroom to your planned exit with your eyes closed and holding your breath.

This is a small checklist, but one that could save your life and the lives of your loved ones. Take a moment to review this once a week, ensure that your house and family are protected BEFORE a crisis or disaster occur. Prevention is important, reaction planning is VITAL.

As I wrote in my earlier blog, stay FOCUSSED on what's important, GIVE THANKS for what you have, and ENJOY the Holidays. Commercialization of Christmas and the Holidays has somehow sucked the fun out of the season, it's time for us to take back the fun and enjoyment.

Until next time.....stay safe and keep it clean!

'Tis the Season

So we are deep into the year, only a few weeks remain. The leaves have changed and dropped from the trees, already we are seeing signs of the Holiday Season creeping up around us. Many of us have not even finished our yard cleaning and buttoning up of our outside work before the the harsh cold of winter begins.

As we approach Thanksgiving it's important that we keep a calm head about us and stay focused on the important things around us. This sounds philosophical, but it's because of this lack of focus that bad things happen. Whether it's forgetting what the true meaning of the Holiday's is, or just getting tied up in all of the hustle and bustle of it all, lack of focus causes bad things to happen.

So as we move forward, stay focused. Don't forget about the pot cooking on the stove or the candles that you lit in the other room. Remember not to overload your outlets with decorations or space heaters, use proper cords where applicable. When you leave to visit loved ones, make sure that someone is responsible for checking your house DAILY. The visit should be to pick up the mail and newspaper, walk through the ENTIRE HOUSE, including the basement. Left unchecked that basement could become your unwanted indoor pool.

In closing, keep in mind as the weather turns colder, snow begins to fly and the days continue to get shorter that this is not only the season of giving and all that, it's should also be the season of focus. Focus on things that are important in your life and don't forget to be thankful for what you have. Stay safe and enjoy the coming days and weeks, it really can be a lot of fun.