Emergency Contact Cards and Other Christmas Tips

Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 05:16 Written by admin Tuesday, 18 May 2010 05:16

You may kid yourself into believing that there is no preparation that anyone can do to avoid a disaster -  accidents happen, and there is nothing anyone can do to avoid them. However, this is just plain nonsense. We can all avoid accidents and health problems by being more aware of the possibilities for them happening and learning how to be more careful.

Not all the answers work for every eventuality, but most accidents can be avoided, that’s for certain.

Here are a few simple rules that will help you and your family get through Christmas in one piece and make sure your Emergency Contact Card isn’t used this year!

KITCHEN:

The Turkey:  If you’re the one who’s tied to the kitchen, with the heat from the oven and too many glasses of wine inside us already, there is an accident waiting to happen.  When it’s time to remove the turkey how many of us have dropped the blooming thing on the floor?   It’s heavy and swimming in hot juices and fat, so it’s not surprising!
I know I have done it!!  You either burn your hands and arm or your legs end up spattered in hot fat with your clothes ruined.
My advice to avoid this: Don’t start drinking until after you’ve sat down at the table. Also, if the blast of heat when the oven door is open isn’t enough to send anyone flying, the shock of the heavy weight is. . so let the heat out a little before you attempt to lift it, use the oven gloves made for the job, not flimsy tea towels, and finally, bend your knees and use your legs to take the strain, not your back!

PARENTS:

Inviting your elderly relatives to stay over can be stressful enough, but imagine if they are taken ill?  Have they taken their medication? Would you know exactly what medications they take?  
Many elderly people have heath concerns, so you need to be aware of exactly what these are to avoid any mishaps.  Avoid unnecessary stress and worry if they are taken ill, by discussing their health condition with them beforehand and by arranging some form of Emergency Contact Card.  This type of product can be ordered in time for Christmas and will carry on providing them with peace of mind by keeping it handy in their purse or wallet for years to come.

CANDLES:

Christmas Candles!!  Great as long as you don’t leave the room!
Even then you have to be careful. We can all remember an incident where a candle has set something alight unexpectedly. So to avoid any major disasters, do not have them in the house if you have children. Otherwise invest in very deep and sturdy candle holders and keep them in view.   

STRESS:

Car accidents rise by 15% the week leading up to Christmas.
Not surprising really when we are all running around like headless chickens. It can be tough, but to make driving stress free depends on where you live. Lots of us use the motorways to reach our destination for the Christmas Holidays.

Plan your journey, set off much earlier and expect the delays that are bound to happen. A journey can take twice as long as usual.  Make sure you have breakdown cover. Share the driving if possible and take lots of breaks.   Keep emergency supplies in the boot and your mobile charged.  

10 Tips for Lighting Up Your Garden Party

Last Updated on Saturday, 15 May 2010 03:14 Written by admin Saturday, 15 May 2010 03:14

Garden parties on warm summer evenings are a pleasure to look forward to. Here are 10 easy ways to decorate your outdoor space with light without breaking the budget.

1) Illuminate driveways, paths, stairs, pool decks, and dark corners with paper bag lanterns made from tealights and brown paper lunch bags. Place few rocks inside each lantern as anchors.

2) Make a small investment in easy-to-install solar path lighting. There is no wiring of any kind and the light fixture can be moved around as needed (around $30 each).

3) Place citronella candles and tiki torches around seating areas to deter insects. Make sure they are not too close to the food, as the smell can overpower flavors.

4) Lace decorative paper Chinese lanterns, or inexpensive multi-colored, themed, or bright white sting lights through railings, patio umbrellas, and pergolas.

5) Place candles, tea-lights, votives or fabric lanterns on buffet tables and bars. Remember to keep candles in a safe container or candle holder.

6) Float candles in bird baths, pools or ponds. Floating solar lights are also available.

7) Create dance floor by hanging mini-disco ball from a tree branch and pointing a spotlight at it.

Use retro lava lamps and fiber-optic domes or globes for themed lighting that’s funky and fun.

9) Fill mason jars with about five centimeters of sand, then drop in a tea light for a safe but pretty light that won’t go out in a breeze. Place a row along the side of a path and on each stair.

10) Adorn flea market or thrift store chandeliers holding tea lights and hang from an overhead support or canopy.

Candle Making Tips- Safety First

Last Updated on Saturday, 15 May 2010 03:27 Written by admin Saturday, 15 May 2010 03:27

Candle making can be a pleasurable or even profitable hobby, but one must be always cognizant of the fact that hot melted wax can cause many serious problems if proper precautions are not taken. Candle making safety tips include having a fire extinguisher and a box of baking soda on hand whenever you are melting wax. Use these to put out any wax fires that might start. First try to smother the fire with the baking soda. You can also use the top of your double boiler to smother a wax fire. You’ll need to have a double boiler for melting the wax, so it will be available. Don’t ever try to put out a wax fire with water, as the wax can burst and explode and burn the skin. Also don’t ever let your wax temperature exceed 280 degrees F (138 degrees C).

Other Candle Making Tips- Keep Kids and Pets Away

With the possibility looming of a wax fire as described above, it should be obvious that children and pets should be kept away from any hot wax. Even when the wax has been poured into a mold caution should be exercised. If the mold happens to be aluminum it can get very hot and burn the skin. Don’t ever heat wax or start to heat wax by putting it in a microwave oven. Heat can quickly build up inside the wax and cause it to explode. In any case melting wax should never be left unattended and you will need to have a wax thermometer to monitor the temperature of your wax at all times. Be careful not to let your wax get onto your heating element as it could very possibly ignite and cause a fire.

Other Precautions

You will need to have a good metal pouring pot to pour your wax into molds. Be sure to use one that can withstand high temperatures and has a handle and spout. Be sure to store your wax away from heat in a cool and dry place. If somehow melted wax does come in contact with the skin, run cold water over the area. This will cool the wax and make it solidify such that it can be pulled off the skin. You will most likely need to treat the affected skin area as you would treat a burn. Don’t allow water to drip into hot wax as it can explode and fly onto your skin and cause burns. If the exploding hot wax were to get into your eyes, it is obvious that very serious problems could result, so this tip is extremely important. Also, be sure to use only dyes and fragrances that have been designed specifically for candle making. Lastly, don’t ever pour melted wax down a drain.

Although candle making has its dangers due to the need to handle hot melted wax, most of the problems mentioned above can be easily avoided if you are aware of the dangers of hot wax and use common sense when making candles. If you have the right equipment and are prepared and consider the above candle making tips, your projects will be executed smoothly and serious problems will be avoided.