Safe and Happy Holidays
As the holiday season approaches from Thanksgiving to the New Year, our homes are transformed into magical wonderlands filled with decorations, people and joyful times. This lively season also brings its own dangers from the loaded down Christmas tree to the overflowing turkey fryer. Be aware of extra precautions so you can ensure hazard-free holiday celebrations. As you select from a variety of conventionally built or even log cabin house plans, make sure to keep safety features in mind such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers throughout the house, especially in hot spots such as the kitchen.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, with Uncle Bob and his turkey fryer, keep safety in mind. The Southern trend for deep-fried instead of roasted turkey is rapidly spreading across the country like wildfire, but that does not mean your dinner should become one. Consider using five gallons of scalding grease over an open flame and it’s easy to see how carelessness could cause a serious fire.
If your family absolutely can’t live without the mouthwatering taste of fried turkey, here are some safety tips for using that mammoth fryer.
•Carefully follow all directions that come with the fryer’s user manual.
•Never leave the fryer unattended.
•Make sure the fryer is on a flat surface so it won’t accidentally tip.
•Turkey fryers should be used outdoors, not on wooden decks or in garages, and always at a safe distance from buildings.
•Use well-insulated potholders and oven mitts and wear safety goggles.
•Never let children or pets near the fryer because even after use, the oil remains dangerously hot for hours.
•Do not overfill the fryer.
•Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher handy and never use water to put out a grease fire.
When the turkey is finally gone and you flip your calendar to December, turn on that caution light as you turn your home into a winter wonderland. Conventionally built and log cabin house plans are inviting for the holidays, but should also be protected by taking the proper safety precautions.
The centerpiece for many holiday homes is the Christmas tree, which is a major safety concern. If you get an artificial tree, make sure it is a labeled “fire resistant.” If you prefer the smell of pine throughout the house, keep a live tree well watered because dry trees are a fire hazard. No matter which type of tree you have, put it on a stable stand that will prevent it from tipping over.
Certain other holiday decorations do not mix well with pets and children. Certain trims and wrapping paper are toxic if ingested. Glass ornaments and poinsettias are not recommended around pets and children. Be mindful of your decorations and keep ornaments and presents out of reach in unattended rooms.
Another major concern with holiday decorating are fires. A cozy fire burning sets the stage for a holiday gathering but you must address safety points to prevent this comfortable atmosphere from turning into a danger zone. Keep mantel decoration such as garland, swags and stockings clear of flames at all times. The tree and presents should be at least three feet away from the hearth. Use a tight-fitting mesh metal screen to keep flying sparks under control.
Electric lights and surge protectors are another possible fire threat during the holiday season. Check all sets of lights for damaged sockets, burned-out bulbs and bad wires. Don’t use electric lights on a metal tree and turn off all lights when you go to bed.
After the holidays are over and the decorations are neatly put away for next year, you still need to be cautious about keeping your home safe. After all, a fire can start without a Christmas tree or Uncle Bob’s turkey fryer so make sure your home is equipped with a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors when you design your log home plan or traditionally built home. Have a safe, happy home!
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