Tidbits 42

Halloween Safety tips from NFPA (found at Safteng.net)
Purchase only costumes, wigs and props labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. When creating a costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes in contact with heat or flame. Avoid billowing or long trailing features. Do not use flammable materials for costumes…every year people are injured seriously because of homemade costume materials like gauze used as mummy wrap, etc.-Provide children with lightweight flashlights to carry for lighting or as part of their costume.
-Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs, heaters, etc.
-Use flashlights or battery-operated candles when illuminating Jack-o-lanterns. --Use extreme caution when decorating with candle lit Jack-O-Lanterns, and supervise children at all times when candles are lit.
-When lighting candles inside Jack-O-Lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches and be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn including doorsteps, walkways and yards.
-Keep exits clear of decorations, ensuring nothing blocks escape routes. -Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. They are much safer for trick-or-treaters, whose costumes may brush against the lighting.-Instruct children to stay away from open flames or other heat sources. Be sure children know how to STOP, DROP and ROLL in the event their clothing catches fire. (Stop immediately, drop to the ground, covering your face with your hands, and roll over and over to extinguish flames.) Cool the burn.
-Instruct children who are attending parties at others' homes to locate the exits and plan how they would get out in an emergency.

Thank You!
Feeling grateful to or appreciative of someone or something actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value in your life. Christiane Northrup

THINK SAFETY WHEN JUMP-STARTING A CAR
Cold weather is moving in so here are a few things you should know to safely jump-start your car’s battery.
1. Wear safety glasses or googles…Save your sight and see the future!
2. Batteries contain hydrogen and oxygen, two flammable and explosive gasses. Never smoke or operate any equipment that may cause a spark when working on a battery. The gasses may ignite and cause the battery to explode.
3. Check your battery for damage such as cracks, corrosive materials, and loose wires as often as you have your oil changed.
4. Make sure your jumper cables are rust and corrosion free and have no exposed wires.
5. Make sure you buy the type of battery that is recommended in your car owner’s manual.
6. Never throw a battery in a garbage dumpster or leave it in a parking lot, especially if it is cracked or
damaged. Take it to a service station and dispose of it properly.
7. Never jump-start your battery if your car’s fluids are frozen.
8. When buying a new battery, make sure its terminals are sturdy and large enough to allow the clamps of a pair of jumper cables to attach easily.
9. Call a professional if there is something you can’t handle.
Source: Prevent Blindness America