Page 4 - December 2022 Newsletter

DIVINITY SAFETY LINES

Ingredients: Servings: 18 Decorate Safely
• 2 cups white sugar Decorating is one of the best ways to get in a holiday mood, but emergency
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup rooms see thousands of injuries involving holiday decorating every season.
• 1/2 cup hot water When decorating follow these tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
• 1/4 teaspoon salt Commission:
• 2 egg whites - Keep potentially poisonous plants – mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract cherry and amaryllis – away from children
- If using an artificial tree, check that it is labeled “fire resistant”
• waxed paper
- If using a live tree, cut off about 2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood
for better water absorption, remember to water it and remove it from your
Directions: home when it is dry
- Place your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other
Step 1 - Combine sugar, corn syrup, hot water, and salt in a heat sources, making certain not to block doorways
heavy-bottomed 2-quart saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook - Avoid placing breakable ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts
and stir until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a boil. Con- on lower tree branches where small children can reach them
- Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors, and choose
tinue to cook, without stirring, until mixture reaches 250 degrees the right ladder for the task when hanging lights
F (120 degrees C) on a candy thermometer, or until a small - Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare
amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a rigid ball. wires, or loose connections
Frequently wipe crystals forming on the sides of the pan, using a - Follow the package directions on the number of light sets that can be
pastry brush dipped in water. Remove from heat. plugged into one socket
- Never nail, tack or stress wiring when hanging lights and keep plugs off
Step 2 - Just as the syrup is reaching temperature, begin whip- the ground away from puddles and snow
ping egg whites: In a large glass or stainless steel mixing bowl,
beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Pour hot syrup in a thin Watch Out for Fire-Starters
Candles and Fireplaces
stream over beaten egg whites, beating constantly with the Use of candles and fireplaces, combined with an increase in the amount
electric mixer at medium speed. Increase speed to high, and con- of combustible, seasonal decorations in many homes during the holidays,
tinue beating for about 5 minutes. Add vanilla; continue beating means more risk for fire. The National Fire Protection Association reports
until the mixture becomes stiff and begins to lose its gloss. If it is that one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles and that two
too stiff, add a few drops of hot water. of every five decoration fires happen because the decorations are placed too
close to a heat source.
Step 3 - Immediately drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. - Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over and out
For a decorative flair, twirl the top with the spoon when drop- of reach of children
ping. Let stand until set and dry on the outside, at least 8 hours. - Keep matches and lighters up high and out of reach of children in a locked
cabinet
Store in a single layer in an airtight container at room tempera- - Use flameless, rather than lighted, candles near flammable objects
ture. - Don’t burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace
- Use a screen on the fireplace at all times when a fire is burning
- Never leave candles or fireplaces burning unattended or when you are
asleep
- Check and clean the chimney and fireplace area at least once a year
It’s Better to Give Safely
Gifts and toys should inspire joy, not cause injuries. Thousands of children
are seriously injured in toy-related incidents every year.
Avoid safety hazards while gifting with these tips from the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission:
- Toys are age-rated for safety, not for children’s intellect and physical abili-
ty, so be sure to choose toys in the correct age range
- Choose toys for children under 3 that do not have small parts which could
be choking hazards
- For children under 10, avoid toys that must be
plugged into an electrical outlet
- Be cautious about toys that have button batteries or
magnets, which can be harmful or fatal if swallowed
- When giving scooters and other riding toys, give the
gift of appropriate safety gear, too; helmets should be
worn at all times and they should be sized to fit
Contributor: Rose Dawson,
Corporate Safety Officer