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Staying Safe: Online

admin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

No matter why you’re on the computer, whether it’s to check the forecast, look at clear wireless reviews or download music, the web can be a dangerous place. Here are a few tips from us to help you stay safe while surfing responsibly
Financial Risk: Everyone knows the internet makes it easier than ever to lose your identity or your credit card information, but what about all that other personal stuff? Social security numbers, addresses and phone numbers should also be kept to yourself when you’re online (think social media!)
Physical Risk: This one is more complicated than you might think. If you’re online all day whether it’s for a job or because you love it you’re putting your body at risk. Get up and walk around at least once an hour and invest in braces for your hands to avoid carpal tunnel if you type all day.
Personal Risk: As always, make sure you never give out your location online. Being victimized is a very real reality for life in the digital age so keep yourself anonymous to avoid being sought out.

How To Teach Your Kids To Cross-Stitch Safely

admin — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Cross stitch is a hybrid between old-time crewel embroidery and needle point. As with needlepoint, the beautiful images are produced by carefully following a detailed pattern. Tiny crossed stitches of different colors are placed next to each other until a picture emerges. Threads are counted to determine the placement of each stitch. Like embroidery, this is done on fabric rather than on the stiff canvas required for needlepoint.

Cross stitch is particularly appropriate for children because individual artistic skill is not required. If they follow the pattern carefully, they will achieve a pleasing result. Traditionally, cross stitch was made by following a written page of instructions. Now, kits are available with pre-printed color patterns so no reading is required. With the proper selection of materials and a little supervision from their parents, children as young as five can be taught to cross stitch safely.

With cross stitch, there are only two safety concerns: the needle and the scissors. The worst hazards with both of these can be avoided by always requiring that the child be seated, preferably at a table, before starting to work. High quality sewing implements are notoriously sharp, so the child should be instructed in their proper use. Needles and scissors should never, for example, be pointed toward the face.

If the child is very young, special precautions should be taken. It is recommended that the parent do whatever cutting is required. Providing several pre-cut lengths of thread at the start of the project will allow the child to work safely while feeling a bit of autonomy. Letting the child use a blunt, large-gauge needle for the project is also a good idea. This will eliminate the possibility of pricked fingers. With a larger needle, a fabric with a wide, loose weave will be required.

Cross stitch is an enjoyable hobby and can teach a child valuable sewing skills. With the proper tools and instruction, it can be both safe and fun.

Teaching Injury-Proof Woodworking Using A Jigsaw

admin — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A jigsaw is a great tool for cutting complicated shapes into wood, steel, or ceramics with ease. It is very powerful with an exposed blade, however, a few simple steps can help avoid major disasters.

First off, you need the proper tools: Make sure you are always wearing safety goggles, a loose piece of wood may fly off at any point and cause irreversible damage to your eyes.

Secondly, keep whatever it is that you are cutting secure by using a vice or clamp, keeping your material in place.

Always make sure that you are using the proper blade for whatever it is that you are cutting. You can check the package for these details, or ask a clerk at your local department store.

Before you begin the cut, be sure that your blade is up to speed, and never try to force the blade past what it’s cutting motion allows.

Whenever making an interior cut, drill a hole as tilting the saw into the material can ruin the surface or cause the blade to snap, (remember your goggles!).

After the work is done, be sure to power off and unplug all tools in order to avoid any last minute accidents. All power tools and saw blades should be kept in a safe place inaccessible by children.

Following these tips at all times will help you avoid any accidents that cannot be reversed. Have fun, and stay safe.

Be Safe When Doing Iron-On Children’s Printable Crafts

admin — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When you are doing any type of crafts with children, safety is very important. Young children are so eager to “help” with any activity. One activity that you can do with your child is Iron-On Printable Crafts. It is a good idea to have all your supplies ready before you begin. Once you turn on the steam iron, you do not want to leave the area for any reason. You need together the items such as the iron- on, the item that you will apply the iron-on to, ironing board and the iron. You also need to get a sturdy stool or chair, if needed . Be sure to get the size appropriate for the child so they wont have to bend or tiptoe to help with the activity. When you plug the iron in, be sure to have the cord out of the child’s reach to avoid the iron being pulled down onto the child. Make sure the cord is off the floor where the child could trip or get tangled up in it. Never let the child hold the iron unless you are right there to assist them. As soon as the project is finished, unplug the iron.

Learning Safe And Sound Gardening Tips

admin — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Gardening can be a fun and entertaining hobby to enjoy. It allows you to design your own sanctuary, a nature filled paradise right outside your home. However, gardening can be dangerous. By following some safe and sound gardening tips its possible to enjoy gardening safely.
Always wear protective clothing and gear when gardening. This means a pair of jeans, a long sleeved shirt, gloves and some safety goggles. Remember to stay adequately hydrated when outside gardening, especially if it is a hot day. Bring out some bottled water to drink while you are gardening. Remember to always use care when using gardening tools, as they could potentially cause injury from cutting or stabbing yourself.
Remember to always safely handle any fertilizer, pesticide and herbicide that you use in your garden. Always wash your hands after using it and keep it away from children and pets. Consuming any of these toxic products could result in poisoning.
Always let someone know that you will be out in the back gardening. Its all to easy to overwork yourself and suffer from a heat stroke or suffer an unrelated health condition that causes you to be immobilized.
By keeping yourself safe, gardening can be a fun outdoor activity.

How To Use Glue Guns Safely In Scrapbooking

admin — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Glue guns are typically used for arts and crafts activities, such as scrap booking. However, due to the very nature of a glue gun they can be unsafe to handle and may can injury if misused. By following some simple precautions its possible to use a glue gun safely.
Never leave a hot glue gun unattended. A hot glue gun poses a fire hazard if left by itself, since it must heat the glue to a high temperature for it to be used. On the issue of hot glue guns, never allow anyone to touch a hot glue gun directly to their skin. Have anyone handling a hot glue gun wear pants, a long sleeved shirt and gloves to avoid injury.
When using a hot glue gun make sure that the glue has cooled before handling the scrapbook directly. When the glue first comes out of the gun it is very hot and could cause burns if handled directly.
Never use a hot glue gun around open water. Since it uses electricity to heat up the glue it poses an electrical hazard if it were dropped in the water.
By following these simple safety instructions its possible to use glue guns safely in scrap booking.