Holiday Safety Tips
General Tips
Always turn off outdoor, indoor, and tree Christmas lights before you go to bed or before leaving your home.
Keep space heaters away from the tree, presents, curtains, bedding materials, etc., or try not to use them. Remember to turn them off before leaving your home.
If you're able, purchase smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors for your home. They're available in many stores. Read package labeling for proper placement and proper number of units for your home.
Christmas Trees
CHRISTMAS TREE--FIREPROOFING
The following recipes MIGHT help prevent Christmas tree fires:
A.
1 cup Ammonium Sulphate 1/2 cup Boric Acid 2 Tablespoons Borax 1 Gallon Water
Mix the first three into the water. Spray tree.
B.
5 Tablespoons Borax 4 Tablespoons Epsom Salts 2 Quarts Water
Mix the first two into the water. Spray tree.
Copyright 1995 by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.
CHRISTMAS TREE--PRESERVATIVES
Water is still the best preservative for Christmas trees. Make sure trees have a 1 inch fresh cut. ALWAYS keep the Christmas tree stand basin filled with water. If the tree absorbs all the water, the basin is empty and you haven't noticed, a fresh cut needs to be made on the tree, even if that means taking all the decorations off.
Aspirins, copper pennies, uncolas, sugar and bleach have not been shown to prolong the life of a tree.
Copyright 1995 by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.
Food Safety (Turkey)
Fresh turkey has a lot going for it. But fresh turkey, as with any meat product is perishable. In the danger zone between 40o F (4o C) and 140o F (60o C) bacteria can rapidly multiply. Since you cannot generally see, smell or taste the bacteria, the following tips will help ensure safe and enjoyable meals for your family.
1) Cool It! Like all raw meat, turkey can spoil quickly. Therefore, when you are on a shopping trip, pick up your turkey just before going home. Select meat packages that are cold and well wrapped. Labels on fresh turkey must indicate the year, month and day of packaging. When buying fresh poultry, select those packaged on the day you are in the store. At home, place turkey in the refrigerator or freezer immediately. Do not refreeze poultry that has previously been frozen.
2) Thaw it! Never thaw frozen turkey at room temperature. Leave turkey in original package and follow either of the following methods;
1. Refrigerator Method
This is the ideal method since it keeps the meat cold until it is completely defrosted. Place turkey on a tray in your refrigerator. Allow five(5) hours per pound or 10 hours per kilogram for thawing process.
2. Cold water Method
In a large container cover turkey completely with cold water. Change water every hour. Allow one hour per pound (2 hours per kilogram) for thawing process.
Note: If you have purchased a frozen, pre-stuffed turkey, DO NOT THAW! Cook from frozen state and check product label for further instructions.
30 Time It! Be sure to follow the timing directions provided on the turkey to make sure your turkey is cooked to perfection when it arrives on the dinner table.
4) Clean It! Remove plastic wrap from thawed turkey. Remove neck and giblets from body cavity. Rinse turkey well inside and out with cold water. Thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. Always wash hands thoroughly in hot soapy water before handling raw meats and preparing foods. Do not let raw meat or juices touch ready-to-eat foods either in refrigerator or during preparation. Do not put cooked foods on a plate that held raw product previously. Use a clean plate. Wash utensils, dishes and surfaces used for cutting turkey with hot, soapy water. Then rinse using a sanitizing solution of one capful of chorine bleach in a sinkful of warm water. Thoroughly rinse surfaces, dishes and utensils with hot water. Keep cutting boards and utensils in good shape as they can harbour bacteria in cracks and crevices.
5) Cook It! The center of meat loaves should not be pink and the juices should run clear.
Crumbled ground turkey should be cooked until no pink colour remains.
During barbecuing, broiling or cooking on a stove top, turn meats over at least once.
When baking, set oven no lower than 325o F or 160o C. If microwaving, cover turkey. Midway through cooking turn meat over. Rotate dish once or twice during cooking. Let microwaved meat stand to complete cooking. Be sure to follow manufacturers instructions.
After cooking, refrigerate leftovers. Separate into small portions for fast cooking. To reheat all leftovers, cover and heat until hot and steaming throughout.
6)Store It!
Fresh: when storing fresh turkey, remove giblets and refrigerate in a covered container for use within two days.
Frozen: whole turkeys can be kept frozen for one year, parts for six months. Once the bird is thawed, treat as a fresh turkey and do not refreeze until cooked.
Cooked: Cooked turkey products may be stored in a covered container, plastic bag or aluminum foil for up to four days in the refrigerator, or up to three months in the freezer.
Note: After cooking, keep the turkey hot, above 140o F (60o C), or refrigerate below 40o F or 4o C. Do not leave at room temperature for more than two hours.
Previously frozen: Any turkey labeled as previously frozen, must be kept refrigerated and cooked within 48 hours of purchase.
Toys
Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills, and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards to younger children.
For infants, toddlers, and all children who still mouth objects, avoid toys with small parts which could pose a fatal choking hazard.
For all children under age 8, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.
Do not purchase electric toys with heating elements for children under age 8.
Be a label reader. Look for labels that give age recommendations and use that information as a guide.
Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly secured eyes, noses, and other potential small parts.
Check instructions for clarity. They should be clear to you, and when appropriate, to the child.
Discard plastic wrappings on toys immediately, which can cause suffocation, before they become deadly playthings.
Toxic Toys:
Baby Looney Tunes Cooling Ring Teether (Gerber)
Cool Ring Teether (First Years/Kiddie)
Funny Face Teether Rattle/Disney Babies Mickey Collection (Playskool)
SofSport Teether (Safety First, Model #288)
Sports Fan Water Teether (Safety First, Model #286)
Toteables Glow In The Dark Fashion Accessories (Phantom Effects)
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