December Monthly Safety Tips for Parents

Children are our most precious gift of all: let us cherish and protect them in every way throughout the year. May you have a joyous Christmas season.

• Holiday Fire Safety
• Holiday Health and Safety Tips
• Child Safety on Airplanes
• Holiday Safety Tips
• Seasonal Fire Safety

"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him" (Matthew 2:2).

Family Watchdog

Winter is here! We hope your family is staying safe and warm this holiday season. Don't forget 
about us at Family Watchdog. Make sure to check your neighborhood to see if anyone moved 
in/out of your area lately. You can always sign up to get e-mail notifications for when an offender 
moves in/out of your location.

Staying Safe in the Cold

With the cold season fast approaching, and here already for most of us, we wanted to highlight winter safety in this months newsletter. Too many cold weather incidents happen yearly, most of them easily prevented. Check out the following tips and pointers we have gathered for your reading (and learning) pleasure.

Protect your hands and feet. Wear mittens when possible because your fingers can share 
warmth (regular gloves are good, but mittens have the edge.) Wear socks that will keep your feet 
dry and warm. Some people wear a light liner sock made of a material that wicks away moisture 
ext to the foot and then put a natural fiber sock over it. Try to wear the higher cut socks, not the 
ow risers. 
Protect your lips. Use lip balm to keep your lips from drying out from the cold and windy 
weather. 
Avoid dehydration. As long as fluids are not restricted by your physician, drink plenty of water 
to stay well hydrated. 
Dress properly. Wear outer clothing that shields the wind and sun from your skin. Cold and 
windy air causes a wind-chill effect that is much colder and more dangerous than the 
measurable air temperature. 
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol causes your body to lose heat, in addition to contributing to dehydration. 
Be prepared. When traveling by car, keep extra socks, blankets, water and snacks on hand in 
case a mechanical problem, storm, or empty gas tank leaves you stranded (see below for car 
safety). 
Inquire about your meds. Ask your physician or pharmacist if any of the medications you 
take can make you more susceptible to a cold-weather illness. 
Protect your children. Instruct the kids to come inside when they feel cold, or if their clothes 
get wet. Play it safe. Because they pose a strangulation risk, it's best not to wrap children in 
scarves. Instead, use a neck "gaiter", which stays in place and keeps your child warm without risk. 
Eat light. A snack before going out in the cold is better than a heavy meal, which requires a large 
blood flow to the gastrointestinal system to aid in digestion. The digestive process may prevent 
warm blood from circulating to your fingers and toes. Save the heavier meal for when you are 
safely back inside. 

Just as you dress yourself in extra layers and winterize your house to protect it from the cold, 
your car needs extra preparation to make it through the winter as well. But getting ready is only 
half the battle. Winter driving conditions also make driving differently. Snow and ice need to be 
taken seriously and prepared for.

 

Winterizing Your Home

Hopefully you have not waited until now to  winterize your home . Need to winterize your home quickly? While you can hire home improvement professionals for the big stuff, most of it you can do yourself easily and effectively. Click here for winterizing tips from Bob Vila.

 

Fireplace Safety

The winter holiday season is the most joyous time of the year for many families. Bright decorations on the mantle make warming by the fireplace even more special than usual. But before enjoying your fireplace during the wintertime, it's important to get your annual chimney cleaning and inspection. In addition to that, there are special fire prevention steps to take especially during the holidays. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends getting your chimney cleaned and inspected annually. There are several hazards that can be eliminated when a professional chimney sweep cleans your chimney, including the removal of soot, creosote, and glaze.

Heater Safety

When buying a small space heater, follow these guidelines:

• Only purchase newer model heaters that have all the current safety features.Make sure the heater carries the Underwriter's Labratory (UL) label.
• Choose a thermostatically controlled heater, because these heaters avoid the energy waste of overheating a room.
• Select a heater of proper size for the room you wish to heat. Do not purchase oversized heaters. Most heaters come with a general sizing table.
• Locate the heater on a level surface away from foot traffic. Be especially careful to keep children and pets away from the heater.
• More heater information here.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter

This winter, make sure your car is as prepared as you are. Going the extra mile by getting your vehicle ready for winter and learning what it takes to drive safely through ice and snow could save your life and the lives of others. Some of the following tips can be performed by any do-it-yourselfer; others require the skilled hands of a professional auto technician.

Engine Performance: Have a funny humming? Get engine driveability problems corrected at a
good repair shop. Cold weather makes existing problems worse.
Fuel: A bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the
fuel line. Try to keep your gas tank over a quarter full so it does not freeze.
Oil: Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual — more often (every 3,000 miles) if
your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.
Cooling Systems: The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24
months. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro.
Windshield Wipers: Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter)
blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent-you'll be surprised how much
you use. Carry an ice-scraper.
Heater/Defroster: The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger
comfort and driver visibility.
Battery: The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine
care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all
connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly. Avoid contact with corrosive
deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.
Lights: Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from
all lenses.
Exhaust System: Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for
leaks. The trunk and floor boards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can be
deadly.
Tires: Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life,
uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressures once a
month. Check the tires when they are cold, before driving for any distance. Rotate as
recommended. Don't forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.