1. Think Abel – Think Safety
PEO Services
Fall 2009
Winter Storage Weekend Chores
The time has come to store away our The summer has come to a close and we Remember your smoke and carbon
outdoor tools, lawnmower, trimmer, are once again faced with getting ready monoxide detectors. Now is the best time
chainsaws, gas cans, grill, etc. for the fall and winter seasons. The chil- to test and change the batteries in these
When storing these items for the winter dren are back to school, time to drag the units, whether they need it or not...DO IT.
please remember to drain all gasoline cover over the pool and put away our Many of us have fireplaces. When was
and secure the caps properly. Store them outdoor furniture for yet another season. the last time it was professionally
in an area where they are not prone to be Now we start our daunting weekend cleaned out. If you have to think about
in the way and/or fall. tasks of yard cleanups and fall projects, that then...DO IT.
both inside and outside the home. With
If storing your propane grill, please I would like to point out an overlooked
any project comes the ever-present issue
disconnect the tank and make sure issue that poses a large risk of fire. When
of safety.
the valve is tightly closed to prevent was the last time you cleaned out your
any leaks. Often when we leave our workplace to dryer vents? Again, if you have to think
head home we leave our occupational about that...DO IT. Many fires occur in
Also, this is a good time to check your
safety at work. We would like for every- these vents due to many years of lint
automobile and get it ready for winter
one reading this to think about the safety build up in the rear and flex hose vents
conditions:
procedures you follow at work, could on these units.
1. Check wiper blades you bring them home with you to use at
2. Shovel in the trunk One more often over looked area is the
home? Well, the answer is a simple yes.
3. Road Flares/Triangles garage or basement. If you’re like most
Almost all of the safety principles we use
4. Emergency First Aid Kit of us our garages have become a haven
at work can be applied in and around our
5. Blankets for the “Stuff” we want to get rid of but
homes. Let’s look at a few shall we?
6. Check the vehicle tires just cannot. Storing these items creates
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is the clutter; can you even get to the ladder
7. Check the anti-freeze
the first thing that comes to my mind. hanging on the wall without climbing
8. Windshield washer fluid
Safety glasses, work boots, sturdy gloves over boxes of your “Stuff?”
Now that everything has been properly and hearing protection are very basic and
stored away, you are ready to enjoy the We all run out of that perfect place to
important tools regarding personal safety.
last few months of 2009! store this “Stuff” and it creates a real safe-
All of these protective items can be uti-
ty hazard just trying to get to our “Stuff.”
lized at home while doing those fall and
It's been around for mil- winter projects from cutting the grass to Let’s go to the basement, another place to
lions of years, but it's no cleaning the gutters. Be smart when plan- store our “Stuff.” Do not store your
ning these projects, the extra time you “Stuff” next to the hot water heater or the
more than a month old. furnace as this can become combustible
took to make your job safe may just be
What is it? that one time you were glad you did. and cause a fire. Keep these areas free
Answer on the back. from boxes, rags etc. I have seen the
This time of year brings out many new
aftermath of what happens when this
concerns about our personal safety.
REMEMBER While we go about our weekend projects,
“Stuff” is placed too close to these areas.
Please, by all means be Safety Smart.
Daylight Savings Time. there is so much to do and so little time.
We want to take some time here and Enjoy the upcoming holidays and please
On November 1, 2009 remember to
point out some safety tips when doing
Clocks go back 1 hour these weekend warrior projects. KEEP SAFETY IN MIND...DO IT!

2. Eat, Drink, Camping & Hiking Safety
and BE SAFE When camping or hiking, there are many • Wear sunscreen and insect repellant.
hazards that individuals and families may • Make sure to take along plenty of
When hosting a holiday party or feast, not think about including the sun, bugs, water.
follow some basic safety tips to prevent poisonous plants and animals, and camp- • Do not drink water from lakes, streams
injuries. fires. While the intent of a family camp- or rivers.
• Turn handles of pots and pans on the ing trip or hike may be for Mom and • Do not approach wild animals, when
stove inward so children can't reach Dad to relax and let the children have cornered, even the smallest animals
them. Use the back burners, whenever fun, we as parents need to pay special could bite.
possible. attention to our family’s safety, since • Do not eat wild berries, mushrooms or
• Keep knives and other sharp utensils tragedy can happen in the blink of an other plants.
away from children. eye. We recommend the following safety • Do not overdo it when hiking, know
• Keep hot foods and drinks away from tips for your next camping or hiking trip! your limitations.
table and counter edges. • Always carry a first aid kit and be • Never leave a campfire unattended,
• Never hold a child while you're carry- trained in basic first aid and CPR. even if it is in a pit or surrounded
ing hot foods or drinks or while you're • Make sure to use the buddy system. with rocks.
cooking. It is never a good idea to camp or • When hiking, bring along high energy
• Offer plenty of nonalcoholic drink hike alone. snacks such as granola bars, trail mix,
alternatives. Keep all drinks—alco- • Make sure you know everyone’s plans bananas, etc.
holic or not—away from children. for each and every day (and that some- • Never leave children alone around a
• Do not place candy, chocolates, or one knows yours). campfire.
other treats within children's reach. • Know how to use a map and com- • Keep a bucket of water or shovel near
• Clean up right after a meal or party. pass, take along a whistle that can be the fire.
Children can choke on leftover food or heard much farther than your voice Stick to these simple tips and you and
be exposed to alcohol or tobacco. can travel. your family will be enjoying the great
• Don't let any of your guests drive • Wear long sleeve shirts, pants, and outdoors for years to come. P.S. Don’t
home if they've been drinking. proper footwear. forget the marshmallows!!!
General Car Seat Safety Tips: Shop ‘til You Drop
• All children under 12 years of age should be placed in the back seat of the car, Help keep your children
especially if you have passenger side air bags.
• Infants should be in a rear facing infant only seat or convertible seat until they
safe while shopping
are 1 year old and 20 pounds. Children who reach 20 pounds before their 1st • Teach them to go to a store clerk or
birthday still need to face backwards and can be moved into a rear facing security guard if you get separated.
convertible seat. • Keep children under age 4 in a stroller
• After they are 20 pounds and have passed their 1st birthday, toddlers can use a or supervise them closely.
forward facing car seat until they are about 40 pounds or their ears have reached • If you place your child
the top of the car seat. in a shopping
• Children over 40 pounds should be placed into a belt positioning booster seat. cart, always
• You should not use your car's regular seat belts until they fit correctly when use the safety
your child is about 80 pounds and is 4 feet 9 inches tall. belt. Stay
• Your child will not be ready to use regular seat belts until the shoulder strap fits close to the
across his shoulder and not his neck, and the lap belt fits across his hips and not cart. Never let your
his stomach. child stand in or
push a shop-
• Be sure to read the car seat manufacture's instructions and your car owner's
ping cart.
manual to be sure that you are installing and using the car seat correctly.
Excerpted from www.keepkidshealthy.com RIDDLE ANSWER: The Moon
2 Corporate Drive, Cranbury, New Jersey, 08512-3604
t: 609-860-0400 f: 609-860-0440 safety@ThinkAbel.com www.ThinkAbel.com