Thanksgiving Safety

It's Turkey Time: Safely Prepare Your Holiday Meal

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice preparing your first holiday meal, be aware of safety issues when thawing, preparing, stuffing and cooking your turkey.

Food safety is especially important as you prepare a holiday meal. Within the last couple of years, CDC has investigated outbreaks of foodborne illness that were caused by bacteria in jalapeños, spinach, peanut butter, frozen pizza, frozen pot pies, and frozen beef patties. Many consumers are now more aware of the ongoing importance of food safety.
CDC is a food safety partner with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which is responsible for the safety of meat and poultry. The FSIS has assembled preparation tips intended to serve as safety reminders to those who are already familiar with meat and poultry preparation safety and as guidelines for the first-time chef.

Turkey Basics: Safely Thaw, Prepare, Stuff, and Cook

When preparing a turkey, be aware of the four main safety issues: thawing, preparing, stuffing, and cooking to adequate temperature.

Safe Thawing

Thawing turkeys must be kept at a safe temperature. The "danger zone" is between 40 and 140°F — the temperature range where foodborne bacteria multiply rapidly. While frozen, a turkey is safe indefinitely, but as soon as it begins to thaw, bacteria that may have been present before freezing can begin to grow again, if it is in the "danger zone."
There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in a microwave oven. For instructions, see "Safe Methods for Thawing;" instructions are also available in Spanish.

Safe Preparation

Bacteria present on raw poultry can contaminate your hands, utensils, and work surfaces as you prepare the turkey. If these areas are not cleaned thoroughly before working with other foods, bacteria from the raw poultry can then be transferred to  other foods. After working with raw poultry, always wash your hands, utensils, and work surfaces before they touch other foods.

Safe Stuffing

For optimal safety and uniform doneness, cook the stuffing outside the turkey in a casserole dish. However, if you place stuffing inside the turkey, do so just before cooking, and use a food thermometer. Make sure the center of the stuffing reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Bacteria can survive in stuffing that has not reached 165°F, possibly resulting in foodborne illness. Follow the FSIS' steps to safely prepare, cook, remove, and refrigerate stuffing; Spanish language instructions are available.

Safe Cooking

Set the oven temperature no lower than 325°F and be sure the turkey is completely thawed. Place turkey breast-side up on a flat wire rack in a shallow roasting pan 2 to 2-1/2 inches deep. Check the internal temperature at the center of the stuffing and meaty portion of the breast, thigh, and wing joint using a food thermometer. Cooking times will vary. The food thermometer must reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Let the turkey stand 20 minutes before removing all stuffing from the cavity and carving the meat.
Following these cooking guidelines can help you prepare a safe holiday dinner that everyone will enjoy.

 

More Information

http://www.cdc.gov/features/turkeytime/ 

Infant Car Seats Recalled by Britax Due to Laceration and Choking Hazards

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 4, 2010 Release #11-031

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 427-4829 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Infant Car Seats Recalled by Britax Due to Laceration and Choking Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Chaperone Infant car seats
Units: About 23,000
Importer: Britax Child Safety Inc., of Charlotte, N.C.
Hazard: The harness chest clip can break and pose a laceration hazard. Due to its small size it also poses a choking hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received four reports of the chest clip breaking. Injuries from three reports included minor lacerations and scratches to arms and a finger; and one report involved an infant placing the clip in his mouth.
Description: This recall involves Chaperone infant car seats with model numbers E9L95P2 (Red Mill), E9L95P3, E9L95P5 (Cowmooflage), E9L69N9 (Moonstone) manufactured between April 2009 and May 2010. The white serial label with the seat’s serial number, model number, and manufacture date can be found on the underside of the car seat.
Sold at: Mass and independent retailers nationwide and on the Britax website from June 2009 to October 2010 for about $230.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact Britax for a free repair kit, which includes a replacement chest clip. Registered owners have been directly contacted by Britax. This product was also recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Recall Notice: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/results.cfm?rcl_id=10C006000&searchtype=quicksearch&summary=true&refurl=rss
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Britax at (888) 427-4829 anytime, or visit the firm's website at www.britax.com

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CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Generator Recall

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2009
Release # 09-305 Homelite/Husky Recall Hotline: (800) 242-4672
Black Max Recall Hotline: (800) 726-5760
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Homelite, Husky and Black Max Generators Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Home Depot and Sam’s Club Stores
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Homelite, Husky and Black Max Brand Generators

Units: About 51,750

Distributor: Homelite Consumer Products Inc., of Anderson, S.C.

Hazard: The fuel gauge can leak excessive amounts of gasoline, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves Homelite and Husky brand generators sold exclusively at Home Depot stores and Black Max brand generators sold exclusively at Sam’s Club stores. Affected generators include Homelite models HG3500, HG3510, HG5700 and HG5700R, Husky models HU3650, HUCA5700 and HUCA7000 and Black Max models BM10700A, BM10700B, BM10711A, BM10700DG, BM10700R, BM10700BR & BM10722G. Generators included in this recall have manufacturing date codes between BML306-BMM151, CHL122-CHM151 and CRL153-CRM059. The model number and manufacturing date code are included on the data label located on the top or side of the generator engine. Products with a green “dot” on the outside of the package or a “silver dot” on the fuel gauge face are not included in the recall.

Sold exclusively at: Home Depot and Sam’s Club stores nationwide from July 2008 through May 2009 for between $480 and $1,600.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using their generator and contact Homelite Consumer Products Inc. (Homelite and Husky brands only) or Black Max (Black Max brands only) for a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information regarding Homelite or Husky brand generators, contact Homelite Consumer Products, Inc. at (800) 242-4672 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.homelite.com. For additional information regarding Black Max brand generators, contact Black Max at (800) 726-5760 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visiting www.blackmaxtools.com

 

 

 

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

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Send the link for this page to a friend! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov. 

National Preparedness Month Tip 6: What about the kids?

Know your child's school emergency plan. Keep a copy at home and work as part of your home emergency plan.
Also, include your children in the planning process by having them participate in assembling your supply kit, so they, too, will know how to utilize these resources.

http://www.ready.gov/america/npm08/tips/090608.html

National Preparedness Month Tip 5: Make it a habit

Make it a point to review your emergency plan, update numbers and check supplies to be sure nothing has expired, spoiled or changed. Do this twice a year when you change your clock and replace the batteries in your smoke detector.

http://www.ready.gov/america/npm08/tips/090508.html

Get Involved

After preparing yourself and your family for possible emergencies by getting a kit, making a plan and being informed, take the next step and get involved in preparing your community. Learn more about Citizen Corps, which actively involves citizens in making our communities and our nation safer, stronger and better prepared.
We all have a role to play in keeping our hometowns secure from emergencies of all kinds. Citizen Corps works hard to help people prepare, train and volunteer in their communities. For more information, go to www.citizencorps.gov to get involved.

9/4 Tip Of The Day - Pet project

Don't forget your pets in the planning process. Find out in advance which public shelters in your community will take pets in case you have to evacuate. Be sure to include three days worth of food, water, and any medications your animal may need in your emergency supply kit. Also, be sure to have collars, leashes, pictures of you and your pet, and ID tags readily available. For more information about pet preparedness, visit the Ready Pets Webpage.

http://www.ready.gov/america/npm08/tips/090408.html

September is National Preparedness Month (Part 3)

Be Informed

Being informed about the different types of emergencies that could happen where you live and the appropriate ways to respond to them will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take.
In addition, learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government.

9/3 Tip Of The Day - Make a connection

Choose an emergency contact who lives outside your area since it may be easier to call long distance after a disaster. Share this number with your family.
Also, be sure to have a landline in your home and a phone that works without electricity since cellular phones may not be in service during a disaster.

http://www.ready.gov/america/npm08/beinformed.html

September is National Preparedness Month (Part 2)

Get A Kit

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper - When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

http://www.ready.gov/america/npm08/getakit.html

9/2 Tip Of The Day - Oh, the places you'll go

Designate two places to meet after an emergency with your family. Identify a location right outside your home, in case of a sudden household emergency such as a fire. The second location should be outside your neighborhood, in the event that it is not safe to stay near or return to your home.

September is National Preparedness Month

Make A Plan

Make sure you have a family emergency plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance: how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations.

Family Emergency Plan:

• It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
• Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact.
• You may have trouble getting through, or the telephone system may be down altogether, but be patient.

Emergency Information:

Find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area and how you will be notified. Methods of getting your attention vary from community to community. One common method is to broadcast via emergency radio and TV broadcasts. You might hear a special siren, or get a telephone call or emergency workers may go door-to-door.

Emergency Plans:

You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one. Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together in the event of an emergency. You will be better prepared to safely reunite your family and loved ones during an emergency if you think ahead and communicate with others in advance
Click here for information, including a family emergency plan template.

9/1 Tip Of The Day - Best Way Out

In an emergency, do you know the best escape routes to get out of your house? Find at least two ways out of each room. Now write them down - you've got the beginning of a plan. To make a complete emergency plan, click on this link: Emergency Plan - 1.26 Mb Adobe Acrobat PDF.

http://www.ready.gov/america/npm08/tips/090108.html

Ridgid Table Saw Recall

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 19, 2009 Release # 09-311

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 539-1710 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Ridgid Table Saws Sold Exclusively at Home Depot Recalled by One World Technologies Due to Laceration Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Ridgid 10-inch Table Saws

Units: About 3,000

Distributor: One World Technologies Inc., of Anderson, S.C.

Hazard: The table saw’s arbor shaft can fail when used with a stacked blade set (commonly known as a “stacked dado set”), which is used to cut grooves. The stacked blade set can be ejected from the saw, posing a potential laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: One World Technologies has received three reports of shafts failing when used with a stacked dado set. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Ridgid 10-inch table saws, model R4511. The recalled saws have manufacturing date codes between CD0829 and CD0837. The model number and manufacturing date code are located on a metal plate on the rear of the cabinet. Products with an “Arbor Inspected” sticker directly above the plate or an orange square on the outside of the package are not included in the recall.

Sold exclusively at: Home Depot stores nationwide from January 2009 through July 2009 for about $600.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled table saw and contact One World Technologies to schedule a free on-site repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact One World Technologies toll-free at (866) 539-1710 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.ridgid.com

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

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Send the link for this page to a friend! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Why You Should Not Run Red Lights

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Eye Injury Prevention

July has been officially recognized as Eye Injury Prevention Month. For this reason, a focus is placed on protecting your eyes in various environments, namely the workplace.

Eye injuries of all types occur at a rate of more than 2,000 per day. In particular, an estimated 1,000 eye injuries occur in American workplaces alone. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that almost 70% of the eye injuries studied occur from falling or flying objects, or sparks striking the eye.

The best ways to prevent injury to the eye is to always wear the appropriate eye protection. Surprisingly, the BLS reports that approximately three out of every five workers injured were either not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident or wearing the wrong kind of eye protection for the job. To be effective, eyewear must fit properly and be designed to effectively protect workers while they work. It is estimated that over 90% of eye injuries are preventable with the use of proper safety eyewear. The Occupational Safety Health Administration, OSHA, has standards that require employers to provide their workers with the appropriate eye protection.

In addition to the proper safety eyewear, early detection and treatment of eye conditions and diseases are essential to maintaining good vision at every stage of life. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, AAO, children with a family history of childhood vision problems should be screened for common childhood eye problems before the age of 5. Although most young adults have healthy vision, if eye problems such as visual changes, pain, flashes of light, seeing spots, excessive tearing, and excessive dryness occur, they should see an eye doctor. Adults between the ages of 40 to 65 should have an eye exam every two to four years. Adults over the age of 65 should have an eye exam at least every one to two years. Ultimately, the key to preventing eye injuries is to take a more proactive approach to sustaining healthy vision.

http://www.foh.dhhs.gov/Public/NYCU/eyeinjury.asp

How to Dispose of Unused Medicines

Is your medicine cabinet filled with expired drugs or medications you no longer use? How should you dispose of them?

Most drugs can be thrown in the household trash, but consumers should take certain precautions before tossing them out, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A few drugs should be flushed down the toilet. And a growing number of community-based "take-back" programs offer another safe disposal alternative.

Here are some guidelines for disposal:

FDA worked with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to develop the first consumer guidance for proper disposal of prescription drugs. Issued by ONDCP in February 2007, the federal guidelines are summarized here:

• Follow any specific disposal instructions on the drug label or patient information that accompanies the medication. Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet unless this information specifically instructs you to do so.
• If no instructions are given, throw the drugs in the household trash, but first:
  • Take them out of their original containers and mix them with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter. The medication will be less appealing to children and pets, and unrecognizable to people who may intentionally go through your trash.
  • Put them in a sealable bag, empty can, or other container to prevent the medication from leaking or breaking out of a garbage bag.
• Take advantage of community drug take-back programs that allow the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal. Call your city or county government's household trash and recycling service (see blue pages in phone book) to see if a take-back program is available in your community.

FDA's Director of Pharmacy Affairs, Ilisa Bernstein, Pharm.D., J.D., offers some additional tips:

• Before throwing out a medicine container, scratch out all identifying information on the prescription label to make it unreadable. This will help protect your identity and the privacy of your personal health information.
• Do not give medications to friends. Doctors prescribe drugs based on a person's specific symptoms and medical history. A drug that works for you could be dangerous for someone else.
• When in doubt about proper disposal, talk to your pharmacist.

For more information:
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/drug_disposal062308.html

For Federal Guidelines:
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/SearchResults/SearchResults.asp?qu=Drug+Disposal&x=0&y=0

Dryer Safety

Get a FREE Dryer Vent Check Safety Tool Kit

There are 15,500 fires every year caused by dryer vents. To increase awareness of dryer vent safety, DVW is offering Tips & Tools. Homeowners & community groups are encouraged to download the Tips brochure and the video, "Don’t Let Your Dryer Start a Fire, Keep Your Home Safe and Sound". FREE dryer vent safety check kits that help identify dryer vent problems can also be ordered!
http://www.dryerventwizard.com/fire_prevention.htm

Safe Turkey Tips

These are some important tips to consider when fixing the turkey this Thanksgiving.

Turkey Basics: Safely Thaw, Prepare, Stuff, and Cook

When preparing a turkey, be aware of the four main safety issues: thawing, preparing, stuffing, and cooking to adequate temperature.

Safe Thawing

Thawing turkeys must be kept at a safe temperature. The "danger zone" is between 40 and 140°F — the temperature range where foodborne bacteria multiply rapidly. While frozen, a turkey is safe indefinitely, but as soon as it begins to thaw, bacteria that may have been present before freezing can begin to grow again, if it is in the "danger zone."

There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in a microwave oven. For instructions, see "Safe Methods for Thawing;" instructions are also available in Spanish.

Safe Preparation

Bacteria present on raw poultry can contaminate your hands, utensils, and work surfaces as you prepare the turkey. If these areas are not cleaned thoroughly before working with other foods, bacteria from the raw poultry can then be transferred to other foods. After working with raw poultry, always wash your hands, utensils, and work surfaces before they touch other foods.

Safe Stuffing

For optimal safety and uniform doneness, cook the stuffing outside the turkey in a casserole dish. However, if you place stuffing inside the turkey, do so just before cooking, and use a food thermometer. Make sure the center of the stuffing reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Bacteria can survive in stuffing that has not reached 165°F, possibly resulting in foodborne illness. Follow the FSIS' steps to safely prepare, cook, remove, and refrigerate stuffing; Spanish language instructions are available.

Safe Cooking

Set the oven temperature no lower than 325°F and be sure the turkey is completely thawed. Place turkey breast-side up on a flat wire rack in a shallow roasting pan 2 to 2-1/2 inches deep. Check the internal temperature at the center of the stuffing and meaty portion of the breast, thigh, and wing joint using a food thermometer. Cooking times will vary. The food thermometer must reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Let the turkey stand 20 minutes before removing all stuffing from the cavity and carving the meat.

Following these cooking guidelines can help you prepare a safe Thanksgiving dinner that everyone will enjoy.

These and more safety information can be found on the CDC website:

http://www.cdc.gov/Features/TurkeyTime/

Important Message for Parents

This is a video for all parents!

Check Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

This is a nice reminder to check the alarms in your house.

October 27, 2008

Catherine Jones

Many of us will be putting our clocks back an hour on Sunday, November 2. This is a good time to check your home’s alarms and change the batteries. Smoke alarms should be inspected, cleaned of accumulated dust and equipped with a new battery. Carbon monoxide alarms should get the same treatment as instructed by the manufacturer. And remember: alarms don’t last forever. They should be replaced every 10 years or so, or on a schedule recommended by the manufacturer. This is also a good time to see if your home fire extinguishers need replacement and to review the family fire escape drill.

http://www.safetyxchange.org/health-safety/check-your-alarms

Chocolate Coin Candy RECALL

For those of you with little ghosts and goblins in your lives.

Don't eat the chocolate coin candies!


The little chocolate coins are not safe for kids to eat this Halloween.
They are made in China and contain the Melamine that was implicated in children’s deaths from milk products.

With Halloween coming soon, pass this on to your family and friends.

Sherwood's Milk Chocolate Pirate's Gold Coins from China contain
melamine.
It is true, Read the full story at the following link from Snopes:

http://www.snopes.com/food/warnings/coins.asp

Safety Checklist for Halloween

A Halloween Safety Checklist

October 30, 2007

Catherine Jones

Halloween is spooky, especially if you’re a safety professional. Or a mom. On Halloween, we let the kids do the things we tell them not to do 364 days of the year. We let the kids walk the streets at night. We tell them to take candy from strangers. We let them use sharp knives - to carve pumpkins. And then there are the candles and tripping hazards everywhere.

Sure, it’s fun. But it’s a safety nightmare. So, every year at this time, I write up Halloween safety advice for parents in SafetyXChange. This year, I’ve decided to assemble the tips I’ve laid down over the years into a monster checklist - pardon the pun. Please take a few minutes to review this checklist with your family.

Costume Safety

• Choose bright costumes or add strips of reflective tape for visibility
• Avoid costumes that are long and flowing to prevent trips and entanglements
• Avoid masks, scarves and hats that restrict vision; instead use non-toxic makeup or face paint
• Look for “flame resistant” or “flame retardant” labels on costumes and accessories
• Avoid high-heeled shoes and instead choose sturdy, well-fitting footwear

Trick-or-Treating Safety

• Young trick-or-treaters should be accompanied by an adult
• Older kids who are going it alone should plan their route with you
• The route should be restricted to a neighborhood you know well
• Older kids going it alone should be clear about the time you expect them home

Rules for trick-or-treaters (younger and older):

• Stay in groups of three or more
• Know where the Block Parent houses are
• Cross at crosswalks
• Use the sidewalk
• Carry a flashlight and batteries and a cell phone, if you have one
• Try to keep one hand free at all times (for holding handrails or catching yourself if you trip)
• Trick-or-treat only at homes that are well-lit
• Don’t enter homes or apartments; the front door is as far as you need to go
• Don’t use short-cuts through alleys, yards or parks
• Walk, don’t run. Unseen objects on lawns or uneven terrain are tripping hazards
• Don’t eat any treats until you’ve inspected them

Safety At Home

Inside

• Don’t let small children carve the pumpkin. Let them draw a face instead
• Use battery-powered jack o’lantern candles instead of real candles
• Keep flammable decorations, such as dried flowers and cornstalks, well away from heat sources and open flames, including candles, light bulbs and portable heaters
• Be sure that decorations don’t block exits from your home
• Examine all the candy your kids bring home, throwing out anything that’s been opened, not in its original wrapping and homemade (if you don’t know the source)
• Watch also for any treats that might pose a choking hazard to children three years old and younger

Outside

• Turn on your porch light
• Remove obstacles from your yard that could trip trick-or-treaters
• Sweep leaves off your sidewalk and steps
• Place lighted pumpkins on a sturdy surface, far from the reach (and costumes) of small trick-or-treaters

Conclusion

A final suggestion: ask the experts. Talk to your children about how to make Halloween safer and healthier. After all, they’re the ones going out there. You might be surprised at what they notice. And the more you talk about safety with your family, the more they’ll start to think about it themselves, too. Happy Halloween, everyone.

http://www.safetyxchange.org/health-safety/a-halloween-safety-checklist