THE COOLER WEATHER IS HERE
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Don't fret! Family Watchdog has you covered! We collected all kinds of winter safety topics to cover in this month's newsletter. Even if you live in a warmer climate, this newsletter still has some good information for you!
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Driving safely in winter weather can be a challenge for even the most experienced driver. It’s easy to forget after months of mild conditions that snow and ice demand careful driving and special preparation for your vehicle. But when 17 percent of all vehicle crashes occur during winter conditions it’s clear that we could all use a refresher when it comes to making our way through a winter wonderland.
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Winter weather in the north can wreak havoc on vehicles and make it difficult for drivers to perform basic maneuvers safely. Here are a few things you can do to winterize your vehicle and help your drivers reach their destination safely this season.
Make sure to do a thorough check of your vehicle - need help? Ask a friend or family member to do a quick car overlook - or take it to a trusted mechanic!
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Being prepared doesn’t necessitate an emergency-gear shopping spree (unless that’s what you’re in the mood for). Rather than stowing away your summer camping gear until spring hits, you can use most of it as emergency gear for winter.
Pack that sleeping bag, shovel, water bottles, camp stove, warm gloves and socks as well as your medical kit in the car!
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For those in colder climates, winter is the time when freezing temperatures can damage your home’s water lines. The good news is that you can take action now to prevent an icy and costly mess. Just as you should prepare to winterize your entire home, your outdoor faucets are no different.
Don't forget to make sure all paths are clear so you don't trip over them when it snows!
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There’s nothing quite like enjoying a roaring fire in the cold months of winter with our friends and family. The crackling of the wood and extra heat radiating on our hands and feet feels downright magical. However, owning a fireplace isn’t always glamorous – it comes with its own set of rules and responsibilities. Enjoying a warm fire requires a clean and safe fireplace.
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Safety is a top consideration when using small space heaters. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 1,700 residential fires every year are associated with the use of space heaters, resulting in more than 80 deaths and 160 injuries nationally.
When buying and installing a small space heater, follow these guidelines highlighted in the link below!
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In just a couple of weeks or more, the first snow of the year will begin to fall - or maybe your third or fourth snow! Though the elements during winter can be harsh, it does not mean the fun should be taken out of the equation. Let us learn more about how we can keep our families safe as we enjoy the winter outdoors during the coming months.
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CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
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In the winter where we tend to be in closed environments and many of these devices are used inside, we're at greater risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide has very similar symptoms to the flu. So, you might get headache, you might get dizzy, nausea, maybe even vomiting and you might think you've got the flu.
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KEEPING PETS WARM IN WINTER WEATHER
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Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite, exposure, and dehydration when water sources freeze.
Outdoor cats need an area to warm up when they get cold as well.
Remember, if you're cold, they're cold. Bring them in!
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Instead of being outside in the cold weather, try one of these instead!
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If you're low on holiday cheer, lining up a holiday movie spree is a good way to top up. Whether you go for the classic "It's a Wonderful Life," romantic favorite "Love, Actually" or the Christmas-action flick "Die Hard," there is sure to be a happy ending and at least one Santa hat.
So, pop a bowl of popcorn and gather around the television with some snacks and make some fun, memorable memories with your family!
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From Christmas crafts and decorations to just general winter fun, these are guaranteed to put a smile on your little ones’ faces even if they can’t go out and build a snowman. There are so many wonderful things for kids to do inside, from making bird feeders to creating their own melting ice experiment and they are sure to love each and every one of these crafts.
There are ideas for kids of all ages so even if you have pre-teens or teenagers, they are bound to love at least one of these crafty projects.
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It’s hard to not go overboard when you’re at Olive Garden. From the Never Ending Pasta Bowls to the all-you-can-eat breadsticks and tiramisu for dessert, it’s pretty much a carbapalooza. Luckily, for people who want a lighter option, there’s Olive Garden minestrone soup.
This healthy, hearty vegetable soup is easy to replicate at home using a few pantry staples and fresh produce from your grocery store or farmers market.
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With children getting new toys and clothing for Christmas, why not do a toy clean out and donate to those in need? If you do a cleanout prior to your children receiving their new toys and clothing, you may be able to donate to places that take used toys and distribute them to those in need. We suggest donating to homeless shelters, women's shelters or crisis shelters this holiday season!
Reselling is also a great option if you are wanting to make some extra cash this holiday season!
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Holiday songs fill the airwaves on the radio, neighborhoods are full of bright lights and holiday cheer, and shopping malls are full of hustle and bustle. The holiday season is officially here!
While you’re busy crossing items off your “To Do” list, burglars are looking for ways to fill their wish lists. During this time of year, thefts and break-ins increase significantly. Unoccupied homes and unlocked cars are easy targets. While insurance may provide some theft coverage, a situation like this will dampen your mood.
Also, don't forget to keep track of your packages from mail orders. Besides pulling your packages in as soon as you can (or ask a neighbor to grab them) - check out these five tips to keep your packages safe.
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Christmas Carolers or the real Grinch of Christmas - thieves?
The theft prevention at Christmas it is urgent. Theft is one way that insecurity constantly threatens Americans, and businesses are no exception.
This article highlights business theft - but it's a good read for all homeowners so you can keep your home protected.
We really like having a security camera on the porch, like a Ring Camera, or something similar - so you can see who is coming and going at all times. You can even see when your packages arrive!
Did you know on the Ring app you can communicate with your neighbors and see potential problems before they are at your doorstep?
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Merry Christmas. Feliz Navidad. Happy Holidays. Season's Greetings. Happy Hanukkah. Joyeux Noel. Happy Winter Solstice. Happy Yuletide Season.
However you say it in your household, have a fun and safe Holiday Season!
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Never give yourself goals that are impossible to reach. Always start small. Try to find a system or support group if you do not have friends or family supporting you in your resolution. Good luck!
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Some quick New Years Safety Tips:
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- Never drink and drive! Always have a designated driver!
- If you plan on leaving the house, have a plan and communicate that plan with your friends and family.
- Take special note of Firework Safety.
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LET'S TRY TO BRING HOME THESE KIDS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
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Family Watchdog wants to do something new and helpful with our newsletter. We want to highlight four random cases from National Center for Missing and Exploited Children so we can bring the awareness of our children missing in the United States. We highly encourage you to visit their website and search in your area to see what children are missing and what you can do to help. Do not approach missing children unless the child is in danger, always call 911 or 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
Each month we will randomly choose four missing children's cases from the NCMEC website. You can submit a missing children's case to us possibly highlight in one of our newsletters by emailing us.
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Missing Since: Nov 29, 2022
Missing From: Herndon, VA
Age Now: 17
Additional Info: Kimberly was last seen wearing a cream-colored jacket and pajama pants with skulls and crossbones on them. She has a nose piercing and an eyebrow piercing.
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Missing Since: Nov 28, 2022
Missing From: Harrisonburg, VA
Age Now: 14
Additional Info: Kaijhan was last seen on November 28, 2022. He has a tattoo of the initials "KT" on his right forearm.
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Missing Since: Nov 5, 2022
Missing From: Hickory, NC
Age Now: 17
Additional Info: Serenity was last seen November 25, 2022. Serenity is biracial. She is black and white.
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Missing Since: Nov 26, 2022
Missing From: Indianapolis, IN
Age Now: 17
Additional Info: Kailey was last seen on November 26, 2022.
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