As we move into the remaining weeks of the year, we tend to participate in activities and work that only occur in the last six weeks. It would be easy to overlook the little things, but it would be a better idea to think about the potential hazards and take the right precautions.

1. Outside decorations. Many people hang lights or other decorations on the outside of their homes. Make sure you use the right type and length of ladder. Don’t overextend it, set it to the right angle, and remember three points of contact.
2. Outdoor electrical decorations. If you have decorations outside, you need to make sure you are using the right electrical wires and plugs. Protect electrical components from moisture and use only items that are approved for outdoors.
3. Indoor electrical decorations. The big things here include running extension cords and plugging too many things into one outlet. Many modern lights and decorations run with cool LED technology, but there are still lots of electrical decorations that run hot. You need to protect against burns and the potential for fire if a hot bulb is too near something flammable.
4. Cut trees. There are several approaches to keeping a cut tree hydrated while you keep it in your home. If you do have a tree and then travel, consider taking the tree out of your home before you leave.
5. Candles. One year we had a fired in our house. My parents had a wood cabinet in the family room, and the top was decorated with pine roping and pillar candles. The pine had dried out and caught fire as one of the candles burned low. The fire was put out before anything burned besides the cabinet. We only burn candles in glass jars now.
6. Traffic. Shopping, errands, airport runs to pick up family, all put you out in traffic more than usual. And frequently at times when traffic is crazier than normal. We don’t go out the day after Thanksgiving anymore. Nothing is happening that can’t wait, and no savings worth the additional hassle. People are stressed, and that’s when they make mistakes.
7. Food. Different kind of watch out here, but this is as important as any. Not only is it important that you manage your calorie intake, but you also need to be paying attention to food handling. Keep preparation surfaces clean, cook meats thoroughly, and use common sense with storage and re-use.

This is a great time of year for so many people, don’t let the energy of the season lead you to take shortcuts or make a mistake that could snowball into a problem.

Thanks, and let’s be careful out there.

Anna at abdpbt is responsible for the effort to Fight Listless Mondays. Find other list links on her blog. Her lists and the others linked there always give you something to think about, and may even make you smile!

This Father’s Day, like many other Sundays, I suspect that I will see families out and about enjoying outdoor activities together in the nice weather. If I take a ride to a local park I will find picnics and ball games. Down by the river I’m sure I’ll see some folks canoeing, swimming, fishing and just enjoying the water. And in just about every neighborhood, I’ll see some family bike riding taking place.

Just about every modern parent sees the value in making certain their child is wearing a helmet when on a bicycle, even if the bike has training wheels. Helmets are inexpensive and can prevent serious injury.

I have to wonder though when I see about every fourth or fifth parent riding without a helmet. What are they thinking? I have to imagine that they believe that their riding experience makes them less likely to have an incident. Probably true, but it in no way reduces the potential severity of an injury should the unlikely event occur.

One of my old friends used to refer to her ex as the sperm donor, and not as the father of her children. True fatherhood is earned. I have seen fathers with their children playing with them, teaching them and guiding them, and yet this potentially simple lesson becomes one where the example does not always meet the instruction.

Fathers, we earn our respect for the kids each day, and we earn that respect by walking the talk. Your family has so much at risk if you are injured, and wearing a helmet when you ride is a simple gift you give your children. Don’t take your safety for granted. When you put the helmet on you tell them that you are important, and when you help them with theirs you tell them they are important, too.

Happy Father’s Day to all men and women who have earned the right to be seen as a Father.

Thanks, and let’s be careful out there.

Guess what – there is a real simple safety tip that can help you have a perfect record in climbing or descending stairs. It’s called the three point system.

In basketball, a three-pointer is a high-risk shot. In safety, three points reduces risk.

The three point system is a reminder that whenever climbing a ladder or stairs, getting in and out of a tall vehicle, or any similar climbing or descending activity, we should always be utilizing three points of contact – two feet and a hand or two hands and a foot. The method comes naturally on steeper stairs, like a ladder, but it’s smart to use it all the time.

Although stairway falls are rare in terms of the number of times we use stairs, they are nearly 100% preventable using 3 points. So next time, look for that handrail. It is a simple way to significantly reduce a chance of injury.

Thanks, and let’s be careful out there!