Leave Your House in 3 Minutes - What to Take?
If you were forced to evacuate your home and you only had 3 minutes, what would you grab?
The Grab-and-Go kit came about after readers sent us what they wished they’d had after they had to evacuate. Here are 10 things you should have ready to go at any moment.
Cash (at least $100 – ATMs [...]
BBQing? Read These 6 Grilling Safety Tips
It’s warmer here in Minnesota, and the grills are coming out in droves. This is the perfect time to review these grilling safety tips from the Home Safety Council.
Designate the grilling area a “No Play Zone” - keep the kids and pets well away until grill equipment is completely cool.
Stay by the grill and pay [...]
National Social Workers Month
Social workers help you with any psychological and social needs in a stressful situation.
It’s a broad definition, but the field is broad. You’ll find social workers in hospitals, senior living homes, government organizations, and community services.
Here’s an article talking about what services social workers offer for seniors and hospice care.
And, another good article describing how [...]
Our Own House Fire
Haven’t been posting because we recently had our own house fire. It was small and contained, but nonetheless, a fire. We were very lucky that we were home and awake.
It was around 8:30 at night, and smoke began filling the house.
Erik, my husband, and I were asking each other - are you cooking? did you [...]
Time Off? Scream Fire and See What Happens
This is usually a week where family hangs out after the holidays. In a calm moment at the house, scream ‘Fire’ and see who knows gets out of the house quickly and safely.
If no one knows how to get out, create a home emergency exit plan this Saturday or Sunday.
Here’s how:
Draw a floor plan of your residence. [...]
How to Trim a Tree Safely
Yesterday we posted some info from the US Fire Administration and Safe Kids USA on fire safety around the holidays. Today we’re looking at what they have to say about trimming the Christmas tree:
If you decorate a tree, Safe Kids USA and the USFA recommend these precautions:
Never leave a lighted Christmas tree or other [...]
USFA and Safe Kids USA - Don’t Burn Down the House
Here’s a stat that wakes you up: the top four days for candle fires are around Christmas and New Years, according to a release from the US Fire Administration. They’ve joined with Safe Kids USA to talk about fire safety and kids this season.
They also say that candles started over 15,000 house fires in the [...]
Don’t Let the Pumpkin Burn the House Down
Every year, fires during the holiday season (which we’re stretching from Halloween through New Year’s) cause around $930 million dollars in property damage. Take extra precautions by following these tips.
Holiday Decorations
When we say ‘holiday’ we mean Halloween, Thanksgiving, religious holidays and New Year’s Eve.
Consider using decor (artificial tree, scarecrow) that is labeled “flame resistant.”
Do [...]
FEMA and WHN Offer Sound Advice about Surviving a Disaster
Tornado season is in full swing for parts of the country. Other natural disasters have been reported throughout the nation. Being prepared can make the difference between safely weathering the storm and becoming a victim of the disaster!
WHN TIP: Click here for a comprehensive list of natural disasters, preparedness, survival and rebuilding provided by FEMA, the [...]
Grilling on Memorial Day Weekend - Don’t Blow Up the House
It’s finally warm and we’re grilling out with friends this weekend.
The grill has been hibernating since last fall; we’ll be going through tips our writers put together on grilling safety so we don’t inadvertently blow up the house or set the dog on fire.
Here’s good info on BBQ safety from the Home Safety Council.
We just [...]