Kathy Zengolewicz

Here are a few tips that I hope will be of help to some of you. First and foremost, make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage on your home and possessions. One of the best things for you to do to help prepare for any disaster is to organize.

Make up a folder or a small book with the names and pictures of your possessions such as a television, a stereo, living room furniture, dining room furniture, etc. You get the picture. Make sure to list the date you purchased the item and the price you paid. Keep sales receipts also, that always helps.

Go over your policy with your agent and make sure that you have the coverage you need. Make sure any jewelry or electronics, including your computer, are covered in case of a loss. Sometimes a rider to the policy is needed for specific coverages. Make sure that you are protected.

I have a last tip that someone shared with me recently and I would like to share it here with you. This is something I never thought about, but it’s unique and, I think, worth mentioning, especially if you don’t have an alarm system in your home.

If you have an alarm on your car, and most people do, take the little hand held remote in the bedroom with you at night, keep it on your night table. If someone should break in, set off your car alarm and keep it blaring. I guarantee the noise will scare any burglar away immediately.

Take care. I’ll take to you soon!

Post from: Keeping the Castle

Kathy Zengolewicz

For those of you who celebrate with live Christmas trees there are a few special fire safety precautions you need to take. When you are selecting your tree, make sure that is fresh. The needles on a fresh tree should be green and hard to pull back from the branches.

The needles should not break off if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be a little sticky to the touch. To check and see if your tree is fresh, bounce the tree trunk on the ground. If few needles fall off, then the tree is fresh and not considered a fire hazard.

When setting up your tree, do not place it near a heat source, including a fireplace. The heat will cause the tree to quickly dry out. A dry tree can be easily set aflame by heat or a spark. Don’t put the tree up too early, it shouldn’t be up longer than 2 weeks. Keep the tree watered at all times.

Contact your local government to see what steps you need to take to dispose of your tree properly. Most cities or townships pick up discarded trees on specific days, different from your regular trash pick up day.

If you are using an artificial tree, make sure that it is flame retardant. Never use candles on or around your tree. Inspect your holiday lights yearly for frayed wires or broken or cracked sockets. Only use lights that are UL approved. Do not over load electrical sockets. Use only nonflammable decorations.

Take the time to make your holidays happy and safe.

Take care. I’ll talk to you soon.

Post from: Keeping the Castle

Kathy Zengolewicz

How do you find a reliable babysitter? How do you know if that sitter is the right person to sit with your children? This is a dilemma that most parents face at one time or another, so I’d like to give you a few tips that may be helpful.

You need to find someone who is reliable, responsible, patient and levelheaded. Okay, agreed, but where do you find this person?

The first place to look is, obviously, in your own family. Do you have a niece or nephew that you trust and who needs to make a few dollars? If so, that’s great, problem solved.

But what if that is not the case and you need to depend on a stranger?  Well, the first thing you need to do is assess the situation. How old is the child or children? How much care are they going to need? A younger child is going to be of more concern. Older children can at least let you know if something is wrong. So, you need to find someone that you trust and that can be tough.

Should age or maturity be a factor in choosing your babysitter? I would think that maturity would trump age. I know 12 year olds that are more mature than some 30 year olds.

Finding the right babysitter will take some research.  Going beyond family, check into your network of friends. Some may have teenagers willing to sit for you for a price. Also, check out you local senior citizen center. They may be willing to sit for you if the children will be in bed or at least prepared for bed.

One more place to search would be your neighborhood daycare center. They may have some workers who need to make a little extra money and are willing to sit for kids in the neighborhood.

No matter which way you go, you will be apprehensive about the care your children receive until you get more accustomed to their care providers. So, I suggest that you take the time to get to know them.

Take care. I’ll talk to you soon!

Post from: Keeping the Castle

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you should have on hand:

• A first aid manual or guide
• sterile gauze
• adhesive tape and bandages in different sizes
• An elastic bandage
• A pair of goggles or other eye protection
• A manual aspirator or suction unit
• Antiseptic wipes
• Topical medications such as iodine, aloe vera gel, tea tree oil
• Anti-itch ointment
• Soap
• An antibiotic cream like triple-antibiotic ointment
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Hydrocortisone cream
• <Acetaminophen and ibuprofen
• A pair of tweezers
• A sharp pair of scissors
• Safety pins
• Instant cold packs (disposable)
• A bottle of calamine lotion
• Alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol
• A thermometer
• Plastic gloves (2-3 pairs)
• A flashlight and extra batteries
• A mouthpiece for administering CPR
• A list of emergency phone numbers
• A blanket (on hand)

Make sure to read through your first aid manual or guide to ensure that you understand how to use the contents of the kit. It is a good idea to have all members of the family be familiar with the kit and how to use it.

Store the kit in a safe place out of a child’s reach, but accessible for an adult. Check the kit regularly to replace any items that have been used or that have expired.

You can assemble a first aid kit in almost any type of container. Make sure that the container is clean and waterproof. It is always better to hand a kit on hand. You never know when it may be needed.

Take care. I’ll talk to you soon!

Post from: Keeping the Castle

• Ghost Tealight Holders from Trade Associates Group and Crate & Barrel due to fire and burn hazard
• Halloween Figurines from Coyne’s & Company due to lead hazard
• Zipper-Covered Foam Core Mattresses from Serta International due to violation of Federal Mattress Flammability Standard
• Lighters from YMCA Trading due to potential burn hazard to children
• Gaming System Batteries and Recharging Station from LeapFrog due to burn hazard
• Fiesta recalls to inspect and repair Gas Grills due to fire and burn hazards
• Infant death prompts recall to repair 600,000 Drop Side Cribs By Delta Enterprise; spring peg failure can cause entrapment and suffocation hazards
• Infant Death prompts recall to repair 985,000 Delta Enterprise Drop Side Cribs; missing safety pegs can cause entrapment and suffocation hazards

image via CPSC

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* Infants Strangled to Death in Simplicity Bassinets: CPSC Urges Consumers To Stop Using Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Convertible “Close-Sleeper” Models.

Two infants have died of strangulation, after being trapped in the metal bars of bassinets made by Simplicity. The (CPSC) is urging parents and caregivers to immediately stop using convertible these “close-sleeper/bedside sleeper” bassinets because of the high safety risk.

Simplicity, Inc. has been bought by SFCA Inc., which has refused to recall the products, saying that they are not responsible for products manufactured by Simplicity before the take-over. However, several retailers have issued their own recalls of the bassinets. These stores have also stopped selling the affected models. If you have purchased the recalled products at these stores, contact them to return the bassinet and receive a refund or store credit. You can see the list of stores and recalled model numbers at the CPSC.  

via CPSC here and here

* Regal Lager Recalls to Repair Phil & Teds Strollers Due to Laceration Hazard

Name of Product: Phil & Teds e3 Single Buggy, e3 Twin Buggy and sport v1 Single Buggy Strollers, sold at baby furniture and baby products stores nationwide from August 2003 through August 2008 for between $400 and $650.

The stroller’s hinge locking mechanism poses a laceration hazard to the user folding and unfolding the strollers. There have been reports of consumers injuring their fingers on the mechanism.

Description: The recalled single strollers all have metal frames with three wheels, a cloth seat and canopy. The twin strollers have a metal frame with four wheels, side-by-side cloth seats and double sun canopies. The strollers were sold in a variety of colors including red, orange, green, black, charcoal and navy. The Phil & Teds logo is located on the crotch piece of the harness.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the strollers immediately. Contact Regal Lager toll-free at (877) 242-5676 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.regallager.com to obtain a free hinge cover repair kit and instructions.

via CPSC

* Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts and Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by Orioxi International Due to Strangulation Hazard

Name of Product: Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts and Jackets, sold at “Shirt off My Back” retail stores located in Colorado, Wyoming, and Michigan from September 2005 through May 2008 for between $20 and $30.

Hazard: The sweatshirts and jackets have drawstrings through the hood which pose a strangulation hazard to young children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstring in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

Description: The recalled garments were sold in children’s sizes small, medium and large in the following colors: white, ivory, red, black, navy, brown, green, charcoal, blue, and pink. “BAC” is printed on the sewn-in tag on some of the garments. “Breckenridge”, “Keystone”, “Jackson Hole”, “Vail”, “Steamboat”, and “Mackinac Island” is printed on the front of the garments.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts to eliminate the hazard. Consumer can return the garments to the place of purchase for a refund. You can contact the Outfitter Trading Company at (800) 875-4352 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.shirtoffmyback.com

via CPSC

* Wooden Infant Toys Recalled by Habermaass Corp. Due to Choking Hazard

Name of Product: Wooden Puzzles, Infant Rattles, Pacifier Holders, and Stroller Toys, made by Habermaass Corp. Inc., of Skaneateles, N.Y., and sold at specialty toy stores nationwide and at specialty online retailers from January 2002 through August 2008 for between $10 and $35.

Hazard: The wooden rattles, pacifier holders, and stroller toys contain small pieces including glued on mirrors and/or prisms that can detach, posing a choking hazard to infants. The head of the ladybug puzzle pieces also poses a choking hazard.

Description: The puzzles, rattle toys, pacifier holders, and stroller toys are wooden. “HABA” is printed on them. You can see photos and specific descriptions of all the toys involved in this recall at the CPSC.

* Stroller Activity Bars Recalled by International Playthings Due to Choking Hazard

Name of Product: Taggies™ Strollin’ Along Stroller Activity Bars, distributed by International Playthings Inc., of Parsippany, N.J., sold at specialty toy stores nationwide and on the Internet from February 2007 through July 2008 for about $23.

Description: This recall involves the Taggies™ Strollin’ Along stroller activity bars. The multicolored, fabric, and plastic activity bars feature a yellow giraffe, a purple hippo and a blue elephant attached to a 12” long elliptical base with straps that attach to a stroller. The Taggies™ and Earlyears® logos are located on woven and satin labels sewn into the seam on the lower left front of the activity bar.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the activity bars and contact International Playthings (800) 445-8347 or at www.intplay.comfor a free replacement toy.

via CPSC

images provided by the CPSC as a public safety service

Post from: Keeping the Castle

Pillows – 1 year of nightly use. If you use pillow protectors, 2 years.

Mattresses – 5 to 7 years

Smoke Alarms – 10 years (batteries should be replaced yearly)

Vitamins – 2 years after purchase if there are no expiration dates

Fire extinguishers – 10 years

Contact lens solution – 3 months after opening

Toothbrushes – 3 – 4 months

Eye Make-up – 6 months after opening

Rubbing alcohol – forever

via Health care- msnbc.com

Post from: Keeping the Castle

In addition to tomatoes, it appears that jalapeno and serrano peppers, and cilantro are now suspect. This latest report made me wince, since I made Texas caviar (with a jalapeno) just for the July 4 weekend.

The FDA is still investigating the cases and the possible sources of the contamination. Meanwhile, here are guidelines from the FDA for keeping safe:

* Do not eat or handle raw red plum, raw red Roma, and raw red round tomatoes, and foods containing them, unless they are from regions that have been ruled out as the sources of the contamination.

* Raw cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and tomatoes with the vine still attached have not been linked to the outbreak in any region, and are deemed safe.

* Commercially processed red plum, red Roma, and red round tomatoes are safe. Avoid home-canned items if you do not know the original source of the tomatoes.

* Don’t buy or eat tomatoes that look damaged, spoiled or have broken skins.

* Do not store tomatoes where they will come in contact with raw meat, poultry, or eggs.

* Wash hands with soap and warm water before and after handling tomatoes.

* Before cutting or cooking, wash each tomato thoroughly under running water. Don’t wash tomatoes in a tub or sink filled with water.

* After washing, cut out the scar where the stem was, and throw it away.

* Use a clean cutting board and clean utensils to prepare raw tomatoes. Don’t let the tomato come in contact with other raw foods, including raw meat, poultry, and eggs, or the surfaces they have touched. Wash cutting boards and utensils in between each different type of food that is cut.

via FDA

Post from: Keeping the Castle

* Jardine Enterprises announced a voluntary recall of more than 25 models of their cribs. The crib slats and spindles on these models can break, leaving gaps which pose strangulation and entrapment dangers for infants and young children. Forty-two reports of the slats and spindles breaking have been reported. Four children have become trapped as a result.

The photo above is just an example of the cribs that are being recalled by Jardine. The CPSC has the model numbers, descriptions and dates when the cribs were first sold, as well as information on what to do if you have one of these recalled cribs.

* Stanley Furniture is also recalling some of their cribs. In this case, there is a possibility that the cribs do not meet federal safety standards for crib dimensions. “When the mattress support is in the middle setting, the space between the mattress and the crib could be too wide, posing an entrapment hazard to infants.” This recall is for the full size 2nd Nature Built to Grow cribs, model number 353-14-220. Visit the CPSC for more information.

Post from: Keeping the Castle

* Bosch Hammer Drills sold at Menards and other hardware retailers and industrial distributors from July 2007 through April 2008 for about $100. There is a risk of injury to users because the drill can continue to operate after the trigger has been released. Click here for more information.

* Infant and Toddler Gingham and Flannel Overalls/Shortalls made by Sara Lynn Togs and sold at college bookstores, fan stores, children’s boutiques, and gift shops from March 2007 through February 2008. Sizes included are 6/9 month, 12 month, 18 month, 2T, 3T, & 4T. There is a choking hazard for young children from the buttons detaching from the shoulder straps. Click here for more information.

* Playsafe Spinning Quad Merry-Go-Rounds with four yellow plastic seats and black and silver metal bars. These were made by Pacific Cycle Inc., and sold by Toys R Us between January 2008 through March 2008. The inner bearing on the merry-go-round can fail, causing the seat assembly to suddenly drop to the ground. This poses a fall hazard to children riding the merry-go-round. Click here for more information.

* Ceiling-mounted International Series Indoor Light Fixtures from Progress Lighting with metal hardware and frosted white glass. A cable that supports the light fixture from the ceiling can fail, causing the fixture to fall and injure anyone nearby. The fixtures were sold by electrical/lighting distributors and The Home Depot stores nationwide from January 2005 through March 2008. Click here for more information, including model numbers.

* “Remy” Shag Rugs sold by Crate and Barrel from January 2007 through April 2008. The large rugs fail to meet federal standards for flammability and could ignite, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers. The small rugs fail to meet federal labeling requirements. Click here for more information, including SKU numbers of recalled products.

* Camouflage Pajama Sets sold by The Children’s Place from December 2006 to January 2008. Recalled are long- and short-sleeved pajama sets with a blue shirt with a red screen print that reads “Athletics 90” and coordinating camouflage pants, in boys’ sizes XXS (2/3) to XL (14). The screen print on the The screen print on the shirt contains excess levels of lead. Click here for more information.

via CPSC

Post from: Keeping the Castle