Holiday safety precautions

As the holidays are just about here, many people are winding down from work for the much needed break or vacation. As you enjoy this time of year, here are some final tips to keep you, your familiy and your home safe.

Fireplaces

• Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that the flue is open.
• Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten.
• Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.  

Toys and Ornaments 

• Purchase appropriate toys for the appropriate age. Some toys designed for older children might be dangerous for younger children.
• Electric toys should be UL/FM approved.
• Toys with sharp points, sharp edges, strings, cords, and parts small enough to be swallowed should not be given to small children.
• Place older ornaments and decorations that might be painted with lead paint out of the reach of small children and pets.  

 

Children and Pets 

• Poinsettias are known to be poisonous to humans and animals, so keep them well out of reach, or avoid having them.
• Keep decorations at least 6 inches above the child’s reach.
• Avoid using tinsel. It can fall on the floor and a curious child or pet may eat it. This can cause anything from mild distress to death.
• Keep any ribbons on gifts and tree ornaments shorter than 7 inches. A child could wrap a longer strand of ribbon around their neck and choke.
• Avoid mittens with strings for children. The string can get tangled around the child’s neck and cause them to choke. It is easier to replace a mitten than a child.
• Watch children and pets around space heaters or the fireplace. Do not leave a child or pet unattended.
• Store scissors and any sharp objects that you use to wrap presents out of your child’s reach.
• Inspect wrapped gifts for small decorations, such as candy canes, gingerbread men, and mistletoe berries, all of which are choking hazards.  

 

Security  

• Use your home burglar alarm system.
• If you plan to travel for the holidays, don’t discuss your plans with strangers. 
• Have a trusted friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home.

Enjoy the hoilday season. How'My House home inspections performs home inspections in Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn and Queens. 

You Can't See It or Smell It, but it's Deadly

As the winter season comes into full tilt, homeowners start running their heating systems more frequently and longer to keep their homes warm.  Along with the warmth, comes a potential hidden danger.  Carbon monoxide.  Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home.  December and January are typically the coldest months of the year, and are also usually the peak months for carbon monoxide poisoning.  Carbon monoxide gas kills 450 Americans every year and poisons more than 20,000.  Symptoms of CO poisoning mimic the flu, with headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath.  If you think you are experiencing symptoms, get to fresh air immediately!

What causes CO to build up?  Carbon monoxide is a gas produced by common fuel-burning sources such as furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, alternative power sources and cars. That's why it's so important to get your fuel-burning appliances checked each year. Never use your oven to heat your home. Never leave your car running in an attached garage.  All of these sources of CO need to be well vented. Heating sources should be checked each year to ensure they are in proper working order.  All homes should have a CO alarm as well. 

Tips to avoid CO Poisoning:

• Have a professional check heating systems, chimneys, flues and vents once a year.
• If buying a new home, have your home inspector check all heat sources for leaks.
• Use carbon monoxide detectors.
• When using other heat sources, follow manufacturers instructions.
• If you are feeling symptoms of CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately, and call 911 if needed.

For more information on carbon monoxide, visit the EPA website, and the Carbon Monoxide Headquarters.