Yesterday I attended an online conference with Janet Legere and she talked about segmented intention. Paying attention to what you are doing and intending it to be successful.
This morning I pulled my daily quote from my tin and it said, "With this dawn, this new day, I value each minute."
I was taken back to my recent Time Management Workshop where I shared with the participants the value of time - 1440 minutes in a day.
Wasting 15 minutes a day works out to 91 hours per year. What could you do with those 91 hours?
If we read an average of 12 pages a day (about 15 minutes) we could read 17-18 books per year. We can learn a new task, become an expert in our field of study, or upgrade our education.
We could exercise and stay in shape while tuning up our heart. 15 minutes 3 times a week will maintain a healthy body.
We could spend the time in personal meditation or spiritual contemplation to bring balance to our lives.
We could devote 15 minutes of quality time to someone we care about. We could choose a different person each day. We could write a letter, send a card, make a phone call or a personal visit. We could sit down with someone and ask them a question and really listen to their answer.
Take a few minutes to think about how you spend your time and how you could spend it better.
Do some tasks that take only 5-15 minutes and feel good about having accomplished something.
Plan your day to include small tasks as well as large tasks, write down what you intend to accomplish - you will have a much better chance of succeeding.
To your successful day!!
Fran
BANABU!
Fran Watson's Personal Development site. Tips and articles on BANABU - a way of life made known to me by Mike Kemski as well as other personal development articles I find interesting. Self-help, personal growth, ideas and suggestions for improved living.
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Is Clutter A Problem?
10 Questions to Help You Declutter
by Mandi on April 12, 2010
http://organizing.yourway.net/10-questions-to-help-you-declutter/
One aspect of having a simple home is to keep it free from clutter. While there are varying degrees of this and not everyone chooses to live a minimalist lifestyle, there’s no way to get around the need to declutter regularly as part of your simplifying goal.
1. Is this item something I use regularly?
A lot of times we keep gadgets, tools, toys, art supplies, et cetera around because they seem useful. However, it’s important to consider how often you actually use each item when deciding whether it’s worth keeping or should be given away. If you haven’t touched it in three to six months (or more), despite your best intentions, it is a good candidate for decluttering.
2. If not, is it something I love?
Of course, there are obviously exceptions to this rule (including seasonal items that you usually regularly in season). One exception I would always encourage you to make is for items you love. Keeping a painting from your grandmother that you love even if it doesn’t have a place in your current home is much different than keeping a snowcone maker that you have been meaning to use for two summers but never seem to have the motivation to actually pull out.
3. Am I keeping this out of obligation or expectation?
Chances are there is at least one thing in your home that you’re keeping not because it’s useful or you love it but because it was a gift from someone and you feel obligated to keep it. While I completely understand the desire not to hurt someone’s feelings, I think it is also important to remember that this is your home and if it is affecting your life, it’s okay to declutter gifts as well as the things that you’ve bought for yourself.
4. Am I holding onto this because I think I should love it?
Maybe you have a piece of artwork or a trendy outfit you picked up because they were popular and you felt like you should love them, even though you really don’t. Maybe your craft area is stocked with supplies for a hobby that no longer interests you. In all of these cases, it’s important to consider how you really feel and make your decisions based on those feelings rather than the ones you think you should have!
5. Am I saving this just in case?
One of the most common causes of clutter is a fear of needing something that you’ve given or thrown away. The reality is that if you commit to simplifying and decluttering, chances are that this will happen at some point. But for those of us who take the plunge to get rid of the unnecessary, the benefit of a clutter-free home is almost always worth the tiny bit of regret in these situations.
6. Do I have multiples of the same thing?
How many spoons or spatulas do you really need in your kitchen? Obviously your answer will depend on the type of cook you are, but ask yourself this question whenever you have multiples of any item. There’s a difference between being prepared and more efficient and just creating clutter!
7. Could something else I own do the same job?
I think this is a fun question! As you’re decluttering, look at any specialized tools or items you have and ask yourself if you could do the same job with another item, thereby cutting down on the number of different things you keep. To use another kitchen example, I decided to simplify our entertaining by giving away a bunch of our serving bowls once I bought a set of beautiful stainless steel mixing bowls from Ikea. I use these every day for cooking, but they also make great bowls for chips, dip, ice, et cetera.
8. Am I holding onto a broken item to fix one day?
This is another classic cause of clutter. Perhaps you have a piece of broken furniture or a broken electronic that you’re just sure you will have the time and desire to fix at some point. But ask yourself how long it’s been sitting in storage waiting for that day to come and whether you’re really ever going to get to it as you make the tough decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of.
9. Is this item worth the time I spend cleaning/storing it?
It’s important to remember that both your time and the space in your home have value. Think about how much time you spend cleaning knickknacks that you don’t really love. Or how about the time you spend sorting through the things in storage time and again to either find something you do need or want or to try to declutter once more. Would your life have less stress and busyness without those items?
10. Could I use this space for something else?
Think of the possibilities of what you could do with a closet or storage area in your home if you weren’t holding onto everything that currently fills it. What about a shelf full of knickknacks or books that don’t really interest anyone in your home? Your space has value too, and it’s important to look at the cost of everything you keep in terms of the space it occupies as well.
Which of these questions is the most challenging for you? Are there items in your home that you need to give yourself permission to give or throw away?
As I read through the above tips, I couldn't help but see myself in so many of them. I am going to print this out and post it somewhere where I will read it every day. These are excellent questions to help us look at what is cluttering our lives. Thank you Mandi
Fran
by Mandi on April 12, 2010
http://organizing.yourway.net/10-questions-to-help-you-declutter/
One aspect of having a simple home is to keep it free from clutter. While there are varying degrees of this and not everyone chooses to live a minimalist lifestyle, there’s no way to get around the need to declutter regularly as part of your simplifying goal.
1. Is this item something I use regularly?
A lot of times we keep gadgets, tools, toys, art supplies, et cetera around because they seem useful. However, it’s important to consider how often you actually use each item when deciding whether it’s worth keeping or should be given away. If you haven’t touched it in three to six months (or more), despite your best intentions, it is a good candidate for decluttering.
2. If not, is it something I love?
Of course, there are obviously exceptions to this rule (including seasonal items that you usually regularly in season). One exception I would always encourage you to make is for items you love. Keeping a painting from your grandmother that you love even if it doesn’t have a place in your current home is much different than keeping a snowcone maker that you have been meaning to use for two summers but never seem to have the motivation to actually pull out.
3. Am I keeping this out of obligation or expectation?
Chances are there is at least one thing in your home that you’re keeping not because it’s useful or you love it but because it was a gift from someone and you feel obligated to keep it. While I completely understand the desire not to hurt someone’s feelings, I think it is also important to remember that this is your home and if it is affecting your life, it’s okay to declutter gifts as well as the things that you’ve bought for yourself.
4. Am I holding onto this because I think I should love it?
Maybe you have a piece of artwork or a trendy outfit you picked up because they were popular and you felt like you should love them, even though you really don’t. Maybe your craft area is stocked with supplies for a hobby that no longer interests you. In all of these cases, it’s important to consider how you really feel and make your decisions based on those feelings rather than the ones you think you should have!
5. Am I saving this just in case?
One of the most common causes of clutter is a fear of needing something that you’ve given or thrown away. The reality is that if you commit to simplifying and decluttering, chances are that this will happen at some point. But for those of us who take the plunge to get rid of the unnecessary, the benefit of a clutter-free home is almost always worth the tiny bit of regret in these situations.
6. Do I have multiples of the same thing?
How many spoons or spatulas do you really need in your kitchen? Obviously your answer will depend on the type of cook you are, but ask yourself this question whenever you have multiples of any item. There’s a difference between being prepared and more efficient and just creating clutter!
7. Could something else I own do the same job?
I think this is a fun question! As you’re decluttering, look at any specialized tools or items you have and ask yourself if you could do the same job with another item, thereby cutting down on the number of different things you keep. To use another kitchen example, I decided to simplify our entertaining by giving away a bunch of our serving bowls once I bought a set of beautiful stainless steel mixing bowls from Ikea. I use these every day for cooking, but they also make great bowls for chips, dip, ice, et cetera.
8. Am I holding onto a broken item to fix one day?
This is another classic cause of clutter. Perhaps you have a piece of broken furniture or a broken electronic that you’re just sure you will have the time and desire to fix at some point. But ask yourself how long it’s been sitting in storage waiting for that day to come and whether you’re really ever going to get to it as you make the tough decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of.
9. Is this item worth the time I spend cleaning/storing it?
It’s important to remember that both your time and the space in your home have value. Think about how much time you spend cleaning knickknacks that you don’t really love. Or how about the time you spend sorting through the things in storage time and again to either find something you do need or want or to try to declutter once more. Would your life have less stress and busyness without those items?
10. Could I use this space for something else?
Think of the possibilities of what you could do with a closet or storage area in your home if you weren’t holding onto everything that currently fills it. What about a shelf full of knickknacks or books that don’t really interest anyone in your home? Your space has value too, and it’s important to look at the cost of everything you keep in terms of the space it occupies as well.
Which of these questions is the most challenging for you? Are there items in your home that you need to give yourself permission to give or throw away?
As I read through the above tips, I couldn't help but see myself in so many of them. I am going to print this out and post it somewhere where I will read it every day. These are excellent questions to help us look at what is cluttering our lives. Thank you Mandi
Fran
Labels:
cleaning,
clutter,
courage,
creativity,
home,
house,
problems,
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self-help,
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Friday, November 12, 2010
Transform Your Life
If you have never heard of SARK, you owe it to yourself to check this out. Get 90 fabulous tools for healing and transforming your life with SARK's Transformation Exper!ence!
If you have heard of SARK, you've probably already been here, but if not, hurry on over!!!
Enjoy
Fran
If you have heard of SARK, you've probably already been here, but if not, hurry on over!!!
Enjoy
Fran
Labels:
healing,
personal growth,
secret tips,
tips,
transformation
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Stuck?
There is a wealth of information on the internet and oftentimes we suffer from information overload. I subscribe to a Weekly Word by Joe Nunziata.
This week's word struck a chord with me as I am feeling a little stuck right now. I have 2 jobs, 2 Toastmasters Clubs, 2 homes (mine & my Boyfriends) and I feel stuck not knowing which direction to head in.
This Week's Word: Stuck
Every day someone I speak to says, "I feel stuck." My questions is, "Why do you feel stuck?" In almost every case this feeling is based on what we feel should happen. If the situation does not follow the exact path we believe it should, we feel stuck.
In reality this is your negative ego setting you up for failure. When you cannot control a situation you begin to feel frustrated. You want it the way you want it, when you want it...right! Sounds a little like a spoiled child.
The next time you feel stuck ask yourself...why? Are you really stuck or are you being a brat?
I decided to take another look at last week's word - CLARITY
This Week's Word: Clarity
Where are you going and how will you get there? This is something many of us ponder on a daily basis. Unfortunately most people are unclear regarding their desires and dreams.
How can you expect to move forward when are living in a fog? You will require clarity and focus to move your energy in a positive direction. Is your mind clear or are you filled with distraction?
You will gain clarity when you remove the drama and disruption from your life. The more you attach yourself to the material world the more difficult it will be. Stay focused on what you desire and the universe will give you the clarity you seek.
Therein lies the clue on how to get unstuck - FOCUS. That's exactly what I need.
I need to FOCUS on what it is that I want. How can I do that? Back to Joe's Weekly Word.... there it is. I need the space to think clearly.
This Week's Word: Space
Most people today live very busy, over-stuffed lives. Unfortunately most of what we stuff ourselves with is not feeding our souls. We have become fast-food junkies in our spiritual lives as well. Much of our energy is focused on accomplishment and survival.
Creating a better life requires space for new energy and opportunity to enter. Nothing new and exciting can enter when you fill in every minute of your life with tasks and obligations.
Take a look at your busy life, make it your priority to create some space and quiet time. This will help you create space for higher energy and more love. Without space no new energy can enter your life.
Next I need something more - a little faith in myself and my purpose.
This Week's Word: Faith
Many of us grew up connecting our faith to religious beliefs. We were conditioned to believe in something most us did not understand as children.
True faith is belief in yourself and the ability to hold that feeling. In times of struggle or adversity it is very easy to lose faith in what you are doing. Those with the fortitude to endure these difficult times will surly be rewarded.
We all lose our faith from time to time. When this happens move into a feeling of gratitude and love. Suddenly your faith will be restored.
And the way to restore it - Gratitude - Joe comes through again.
This Week's Word: Gratitude
We all have many blessings in life but at times tend to focus on the negative aspects of this world. Many people spend the majority of their lives fixated on what they do not have or how they have been wronged.
Every morning I begin my meditation in a state of deep gratitude. This helps to elevate my level of energy vibration and create a positive focus for the day.
Start to feel gratitude for the simplest things in your life. Food on the table, a warm bed or a kind word. This will help you move into a much higher level of energy and love. Be grateful and the universe will bless your life.
I am indeed grateful that I found Joe's Weekly Word and that it continues to bless my life. I encourage you to sign up for your own Weekly Word by going to info@jnunziata.com and asking to be subscribed.
So, if you are STUCK, get some CLARITY and SPACE, keep the FAITH and express your GRATITUDE.
Have a wonderful week!!!
Fran
This week's word struck a chord with me as I am feeling a little stuck right now. I have 2 jobs, 2 Toastmasters Clubs, 2 homes (mine & my Boyfriends) and I feel stuck not knowing which direction to head in.
This Week's Word: Stuck
Every day someone I speak to says, "I feel stuck." My questions is, "Why do you feel stuck?" In almost every case this feeling is based on what we feel should happen. If the situation does not follow the exact path we believe it should, we feel stuck.
In reality this is your negative ego setting you up for failure. When you cannot control a situation you begin to feel frustrated. You want it the way you want it, when you want it...right! Sounds a little like a spoiled child.
The next time you feel stuck ask yourself...why? Are you really stuck or are you being a brat?
I decided to take another look at last week's word - CLARITY
This Week's Word: Clarity
Where are you going and how will you get there? This is something many of us ponder on a daily basis. Unfortunately most people are unclear regarding their desires and dreams.
How can you expect to move forward when are living in a fog? You will require clarity and focus to move your energy in a positive direction. Is your mind clear or are you filled with distraction?
You will gain clarity when you remove the drama and disruption from your life. The more you attach yourself to the material world the more difficult it will be. Stay focused on what you desire and the universe will give you the clarity you seek.
Therein lies the clue on how to get unstuck - FOCUS. That's exactly what I need.
I need to FOCUS on what it is that I want. How can I do that? Back to Joe's Weekly Word.... there it is. I need the space to think clearly.
This Week's Word: Space
Most people today live very busy, over-stuffed lives. Unfortunately most of what we stuff ourselves with is not feeding our souls. We have become fast-food junkies in our spiritual lives as well. Much of our energy is focused on accomplishment and survival.
Creating a better life requires space for new energy and opportunity to enter. Nothing new and exciting can enter when you fill in every minute of your life with tasks and obligations.
Take a look at your busy life, make it your priority to create some space and quiet time. This will help you create space for higher energy and more love. Without space no new energy can enter your life.
Next I need something more - a little faith in myself and my purpose.
This Week's Word: Faith
Many of us grew up connecting our faith to religious beliefs. We were conditioned to believe in something most us did not understand as children.
True faith is belief in yourself and the ability to hold that feeling. In times of struggle or adversity it is very easy to lose faith in what you are doing. Those with the fortitude to endure these difficult times will surly be rewarded.
We all lose our faith from time to time. When this happens move into a feeling of gratitude and love. Suddenly your faith will be restored.
And the way to restore it - Gratitude - Joe comes through again.
This Week's Word: Gratitude
We all have many blessings in life but at times tend to focus on the negative aspects of this world. Many people spend the majority of their lives fixated on what they do not have or how they have been wronged.
Every morning I begin my meditation in a state of deep gratitude. This helps to elevate my level of energy vibration and create a positive focus for the day.
Start to feel gratitude for the simplest things in your life. Food on the table, a warm bed or a kind word. This will help you move into a much higher level of energy and love. Be grateful and the universe will bless your life.
I am indeed grateful that I found Joe's Weekly Word and that it continues to bless my life. I encourage you to sign up for your own Weekly Word by going to info@jnunziata.com and asking to be subscribed.
So, if you are STUCK, get some CLARITY and SPACE, keep the FAITH and express your GRATITUDE.
Have a wonderful week!!!
Fran
Labels:
healthy lifestyle,
Joe Nunziata,
tips,
weekly word
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Merry and Bright - and Safe
Fire and light safety tips for the holiday season
The holiday season is a special time of year but one that has greater safety risks than usual. The dry evergreen tree, those candles and electric lights you use to decorate or set the holiday mood, or the cosy fire you have blazing in the fireplace can all be fire hazards.
Here are some precautions you can take to prevent fires and help you and your family stay safe to enjoy the festivities of the season.
Decorative electric lights
-Use lights and extension cords that are in good condition and that have been certified by a recognized organization - the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC or cUL).
-Inspect cords and lights for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets/plugs, excessive kinking or wear. Check the cords periodically when they have been on for a while; they should not feel warm. If you find any of these signs, replace with an approved (CSA, ULC or cUL) product, or don't use.
-Never remove the ground pin, or file the wide peg of the plug, as this interferes with the electrical grounding.
-Never put extension cords through doorways or under carpets.
-Do not leave holiday lights on unattended. Turn off the lights when you leave work, and at home, turn them off when you are asleep or away.
Follow the manufacturers' instructions about how many sets of lights that can be strung (plugged in) together. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet (safer than working with a plugged in extension cord that is conducting electricity).
-Do not overload electrical outlets.
-Use only indoor lights and extension cords indoors, and outdoor lights and cords outdoors.
-Use mini or LED lights - they have cool-burning lights, and LED lights use less electricity.
Candles and oil lamps
-Place lit candles in stable holders (not wood or plastic) that cannot burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax. Place them where they cannot be easily knocked down.
-Trim candle wicks to a height of 5-7 mm (1/4 inch) before lighting the candle and again every 2-3 hours to prevent high flames.
-Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches, and never use lit candles on live or artificial trees.
-Keep burning candles one metre away from anything that can burn (e.g. papers, cloth, or drapes).
-Never leave a candle unattended. Extinguish it before you leave the room.
-Keep burning candles out of reach of children and pets.
-Avoid using decorative oil lamps with liquid fuel (usually poisonous) if you have young children in your household. If you do use them, keep the fuel locked away out of reach of children.
Keeping it real - the Christmas tree
-Cut trees become dry quickly and most will last about 14 days. If you are decorating a live tree for the workplace, you may want to take it down before people leave for holidays.
-When buying a live tree, give it a shake. Needles will fall if the tree is dry because it was cut too long ago. Pick a tree that does not lose its needles and with a trunk that is sticky to the touch.
-Cut 2 to 5 centimetres from the trunk of the tree to encourage the tree to drink more water.
-Water the tree. Ideally, it should have a sturdy stand that holds about 4 litres of water. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
-Use a preservative in the water. If you are concerned about small children or pets drinking the water, use a small amount of sugar instead.
-Keep the tree away from heating vents or registers, fireplaces, high traffic areas, and exits so it won't dry out prematurely. As well, try to position the tree so you do not have to use long extension cords.
Decorations
-Buy only decorations and artificial trees that are non-flammable or flame resistant.
-Do not use angel hair (glass wool) together with spray-on snowflakes. This combination burns very easily.
-Do not use metallic ornaments on the tree. If they make contact with defective wiring they could become a shock hazard.
-Do not use nails, tacks, or staples to hang cords and lights. They can damage the wire, cause corrosion, or create a short circuit.
Fireplaces and wood stoves
-Always use a secure screen in front of your fireplace.
-Have the chimney cleaned at least once a year to prevent chimney fires.
-Burn hardwood which will leave less creosote in the chimney.
If using firelogs, follow the manufacturer's instructions and burn only one log at a time.
-Never burn wrapping paper in a fireplace. It can create a very large fire, with dangerous sparks and embers that could cause a chimney fire.
-Make sure the fire is out before going to bed or before going out.
-Ensure that the chimney is drawing well so that wood smoke does not come into the room.
-Keep children away from gas fireplaces. When in use, the glass doors can become hot enough to cause serious burns.
General fire safety tips
-Do not leave cooking food unattended on a stove.
Keep cooking areas free of flammable objects (such as potholders and towels) and avoid wearing long, loose-fitting sleeves that could ignite over the stove burner when cooking.
-Never smoke in bed or leave burning cigarettes unattended. Do not empty smoldering ashes in a trash can.
-Keep portable space heaters away from anything that could catch fire such as the drapes or slip covers.
-Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of the home, including the basement, especially near rooms in which people sleep. Test them once a month, and replace batteries twice a year.
Have a safe, healthy and happy holiday.
Fran
P.S. Here is a link to a Christmas gift for you http://www.franwatson.ca/Memories.zip
The holiday season is a special time of year but one that has greater safety risks than usual. The dry evergreen tree, those candles and electric lights you use to decorate or set the holiday mood, or the cosy fire you have blazing in the fireplace can all be fire hazards.
Here are some precautions you can take to prevent fires and help you and your family stay safe to enjoy the festivities of the season.
Decorative electric lights
-Use lights and extension cords that are in good condition and that have been certified by a recognized organization - the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC or cUL).
-Inspect cords and lights for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets/plugs, excessive kinking or wear. Check the cords periodically when they have been on for a while; they should not feel warm. If you find any of these signs, replace with an approved (CSA, ULC or cUL) product, or don't use.
-Never remove the ground pin, or file the wide peg of the plug, as this interferes with the electrical grounding.
-Never put extension cords through doorways or under carpets.
-Do not leave holiday lights on unattended. Turn off the lights when you leave work, and at home, turn them off when you are asleep or away.
Follow the manufacturers' instructions about how many sets of lights that can be strung (plugged in) together. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet (safer than working with a plugged in extension cord that is conducting electricity).
-Do not overload electrical outlets.
-Use only indoor lights and extension cords indoors, and outdoor lights and cords outdoors.
-Use mini or LED lights - they have cool-burning lights, and LED lights use less electricity.
Candles and oil lamps
-Place lit candles in stable holders (not wood or plastic) that cannot burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax. Place them where they cannot be easily knocked down.
-Trim candle wicks to a height of 5-7 mm (1/4 inch) before lighting the candle and again every 2-3 hours to prevent high flames.
-Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches, and never use lit candles on live or artificial trees.
-Keep burning candles one metre away from anything that can burn (e.g. papers, cloth, or drapes).
-Never leave a candle unattended. Extinguish it before you leave the room.
-Keep burning candles out of reach of children and pets.
-Avoid using decorative oil lamps with liquid fuel (usually poisonous) if you have young children in your household. If you do use them, keep the fuel locked away out of reach of children.
Keeping it real - the Christmas tree
-Cut trees become dry quickly and most will last about 14 days. If you are decorating a live tree for the workplace, you may want to take it down before people leave for holidays.
-When buying a live tree, give it a shake. Needles will fall if the tree is dry because it was cut too long ago. Pick a tree that does not lose its needles and with a trunk that is sticky to the touch.
-Cut 2 to 5 centimetres from the trunk of the tree to encourage the tree to drink more water.
-Water the tree. Ideally, it should have a sturdy stand that holds about 4 litres of water. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
-Use a preservative in the water. If you are concerned about small children or pets drinking the water, use a small amount of sugar instead.
-Keep the tree away from heating vents or registers, fireplaces, high traffic areas, and exits so it won't dry out prematurely. As well, try to position the tree so you do not have to use long extension cords.
Decorations
-Buy only decorations and artificial trees that are non-flammable or flame resistant.
-Do not use angel hair (glass wool) together with spray-on snowflakes. This combination burns very easily.
-Do not use metallic ornaments on the tree. If they make contact with defective wiring they could become a shock hazard.
-Do not use nails, tacks, or staples to hang cords and lights. They can damage the wire, cause corrosion, or create a short circuit.
Fireplaces and wood stoves
-Always use a secure screen in front of your fireplace.
-Have the chimney cleaned at least once a year to prevent chimney fires.
-Burn hardwood which will leave less creosote in the chimney.
If using firelogs, follow the manufacturer's instructions and burn only one log at a time.
-Never burn wrapping paper in a fireplace. It can create a very large fire, with dangerous sparks and embers that could cause a chimney fire.
-Make sure the fire is out before going to bed or before going out.
-Ensure that the chimney is drawing well so that wood smoke does not come into the room.
-Keep children away from gas fireplaces. When in use, the glass doors can become hot enough to cause serious burns.
General fire safety tips
-Do not leave cooking food unattended on a stove.
Keep cooking areas free of flammable objects (such as potholders and towels) and avoid wearing long, loose-fitting sleeves that could ignite over the stove burner when cooking.
-Never smoke in bed or leave burning cigarettes unattended. Do not empty smoldering ashes in a trash can.
-Keep portable space heaters away from anything that could catch fire such as the drapes or slip covers.
-Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of the home, including the basement, especially near rooms in which people sleep. Test them once a month, and replace batteries twice a year.
Have a safe, healthy and happy holiday.
Fran
P.S. Here is a link to a Christmas gift for you http://www.franwatson.ca/Memories.zip
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