Week 149
Positive post Sunday, December 22, 2019- Week 149.
According to the Deseret News, there are 14 different religious holidays believers celebrate in December and with Hanukkah beginning today and Christmas just 3 days away, I thought it would be appropriate and valuable to focus this Positive Post Sunday on holiday safety. There are endless safety messages related to the holidays I could write about, including driving safe and responsibly with all the parties and heavy traffic, securing gifts in non-visible locations in your car especially at shopping malls and using good safety practices when installing holiday decorations.
These are all very important messages that, if followed, can prevent us from being a holiday safety statistic. However, I want to share two other safety messages related to candle and pool safety. Although both these messages could be delivered year-round, they are particularly relevant during the holidays.
CANDLE SAFETY: Did you know that December is the peak time of year for home candle fires? According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2012-2016, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 8,200 home structure fires per year that were started by candles. These fires caused an annual average of 80 deaths, 770 injuries, and $264 million in direct property damage. Here is a link to a list of 4 rules to remember when using candles in your home https://www.today.com/home/candle-safety-tips-burning-candles-home-t114839. Don’t be a statistic, review the 4 rules and take the appropriate actions to make sure your home is safe. Another alternative is to use battery operated candles when possible.
POOL SAFETY: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the number one cause of unintentional death for children between the ages of 1 and 4. And according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 390 deaths a year on average are attributed to drowning in a swimming pool or spa. If you have a pool or spa and are hosting friends and family for the holidays, or if you are visiting family or friends who have a pool or spa, I recommend you watch this video from the City of Arlington, Texas fire department with recommendations on pool safety https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkgNTz81hK8. If you watched the video, you saw that the first recommendation is to have a fence around your pool and another recommendation is to have residents trained in CPR.
We have had a pool for over 15 years with direct access from 2 sliding doors. Per the building code at the time our pool was build, we installed alarms on the sliders and auto closing gates on both sides of our yard, but we did not have a fence around the pool until this year. Thanks to the persistent nudging of my daughter Alison, who not so subtly reminded me of my safety values and the importance of the safety of my grandchildren, we installed a fence this year. Michele, Kendall, Nikole and I also completed CPR training this year. If you or a loved one have a pool or spa without a safety fence, install one. Don’t press your luck for 15 years like me, or God forbid, wait until a tragedy occurs. Make the safety decision now!
Have you completed a safety check of your home and yard? Are there safety hazards you have not corrected? Take action now, your family and friends are counting on you.
A safe and happy holiday season to all of you!!