HealthyLife Articles

Tag: lights

  • Home Security

    Home Safety

    Do This, Not That

    According to the FBI:

    *  13% of homes are burglarized a year.

    *  A home is invaded every 12 seconds.

    *  Most home burglaries occur between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

    *  85% of all break-ins occur through the door.

    *  67% of all burglaries involved forcible entry. Door frame failure is usually the cause.

    Most home burglaries are the work of amateurs who are looking for a quick way in and out. Follow tips in this section to keep your home as secure as possible. Also, keep others from finding out when you will be on vacation. For example, do not post your whereabouts on social networks. It is best to not leave a spare key under the doormat, in a fake rock, or in a flower pot next to the door. Instead, give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or nearby friend.

    General Guidelines

    Safe at Home - Do This, Not That Book. Published by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Only You Can Prevent Christmas Tree Fires

    Home Safety

    Image of Christmas tress in front of fire place.

    Every Christmas season, many families tragically lose their homes because of Christmas tree fires. Here’s how to prevent them.

    To choose a tree:

    *  Pick the freshest tree you can find. Hold the tree by the trunk and tap it against the ground. If needles drop profusely, look for another tree.

    *  Keep the tree outdoors with the trunk in water as long as possible. Once you bring the tree into a heated building, it will dry out more quickly.

    *  Indoors, keep the trunk in water. Check the water level daily, and refill when needed.

    *  Don’t stand the tree near a fireplace, wood stove, heat register, or electrical wires.

    To decorate the tree:

    *  Purchase only tree lights bearing a UL label from Underwriters Laboratory, which shows they meet safety standards.

    *  Check for broken bulbs, worn-out insulation, and damaged sockets. Replace or repair as necessary.

    *  Never attach electrical lights to an artificial, metal tree. Don’t overload extension cords.

    *  Discourage children from touching a decorated tree-it may tip over.

    *  To discourage pets from attacking the tree, avoid shiny decorations, and don’t place tinsel or ornaments on the lower branches.

    A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine