Tip Tuesday: Prevent those nasty germs!

Well that's it, Monday has once again come and gone and that means Tip Tuesday! Now that Summer vacation is making its last rounds (and might be over already for some kiddos) and its time for back to school! Exciting time as everyone heads back and we have to remember to prevent the spread of germs. We have some great tips from The Washington State Department of Health to help us stay healthy as we head into fall.

Keep your germs to yourself!

-Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.

-Discard used tissues in the trash as soon as you can.

-Always wash your hands after sneezing, blowing your nose, coughing, or after touching used tissues or handkerchiefs. Was hands often if you are sick.

-Use warm water and soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizers to wash your hands.

-Try to stay home if you have a cough and a fever.

-See your doctor as soon as you can if you have a cough and fever, and follow their instructions. Take medicine as prescribed and get lots of rest.

-If asked, use face masks provided in your doctor's office or clinic's waiting room. Follow office and clinic staff's instructions to help stop the spread of germs.

Keep the germs away!

-Wash your hands before eating, or touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

-Wash your hands after touching anyone who is sneezing, coughing or blowing their nose.

-Don't share things like towels, lipstick, toys or anything else that might be contaminated with respiratory germs.

- Don't share food, utensils or beverage containers with others.

Stay heathy and happy Tuesday!

Power Outages

We're one day late, but who's counting? Alicia, our wonderful Office Manager got married a couple of weeks ago and is currently on her honeymoon. She'll be back tomorrow and I'm so happy! She is the one who posts Tip Tuesday.

So Happy Tip Tuesday!

Power outages can cause a number of safety concerns; knowing the following information can help.

Before a power outage:

• Register life-sustaining and medical equipment with your utility company.
• Consider buying a generator. When installing a generator, follow the instructions carefully. Keep your generator outside and run a cord inside. Don't connect your generator to main service panels- it's dangerous! Be sure to place a carbon monoxide detector indoors. Make sure that your Declarations allow generators. Get permission from your ACC or Board of Directors before installing. 
• Have a corded telephone available- cordless phones will not work when the power is out.
• Have a safe alternative heat source and supply of fuel. Never burn charcoal or use a generator indoors. 
• If you own an electic garage door opener, know how to open the door without power. 

During a Power outage:

• Turn off lights and electrical appliances except for the refrigerate and freezer.
• Unplug computers and other sensitive equipment to protect them from possible surges when the power is restored.  
• Leave one lamp on so you will know when power is restored. Wait at least 15 minutes after power is restored before turning on other appliances. 
• Conserve water, especially if you use well water. 
• Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues or portable or propane heaters for indoor heating- they use oxygen and create carbon monoxide that can cause suffocation. 
• Candles can cause a fire. It's far better to use battery-operated flashlights or glow sticks for lighting.
• Using a kerosene heater, gas lantern or stove inside the house can be dangerous. Maintain proper ventilation at all times to avoid a build up of toxic fumes, and be sure to have a carbon monoxide detector.
• Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs. 

Keep food safe:

• Use and store food carefully to prevent food borne illness when power outages make refrigeration unavailable.  
• Use food first that can spoil most rapidly. 
• Keep doors to refrigerators and freezers closed. Your refrigerator's freezer will keep food frozen for up to a day. A separate fully-loaded freezer will keep food frozen for two days.
• Use an ice chest packed with ice or snow to keep food cold. Buy dry ice to save frozen food. Do not handle dry ice with your bare hands. Use blocks or bags of ice to save refrigerator foods. 
• If in doubt, throw it out. Throw out meat, seafood, dairy products and cooked food that does not feel cold. 
• Never taste suspect food. Even if food looks and smells fine, illness causing bacteria may be present.

Have a great day!

Protect Your Pets

Tip Tuesday!

Consider your pets when planning for emergencies. Know where to take your pets in an emergency and remember their needs when creating your family preparedness kit.

Before the Disaster

• Find a safe place for your pets to stay. Emergency pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics or friends and relatives out of harm's way are all possible choices. Some hotels and motels may allow you to bring pets; others may suspend their "no pet" rules during an emergency. Check ahead to make sure you can bring your pet. 
• Make sure your pets wear current ID tags all the time, and that carriers for each pet are labeled with contact information. 
• Make sure your pets are current on their vaccinations. Pet shelters may require proof of vaccines.

During a Disaster

• Keep pets in the house as emergency situations develop so you can locate them. 
• Don't wait until the last minute to get ready. Warnings may be issued hours or days in advance. 
• Pet shelters will be filled on a first-come first-serve basis. Call ahead to check availability. Bring the items in your pet's emergency supply kit. 

If you evacuate, take your pets

• If it's not safe for you to stay in the disaster area, it's not safe for your pets. Don't leave animals inside your home, chained outside or roaming loose. They can easily be injured, lost or killed.
• If you leave, take your pet even if you think you'll be able to come home in just a few hours. 
•  Leave early- if you wait for an evacuation order, you may be told to leave your pets behind.

If you don't evacuate

• Keep your pets with you in a safe area of your home
• Keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, and make sure they are wearing identification. 
• In case you're not home during a disaster, arrange well in advance for a trusted neighbor to take your pets. Be sure the person is comfortable with your pets, knows where to find them and your pet emergency supplies, and has a key to your home.

After the disaster

• Don't allow your pets to roam loose. Pets can get lost if familiar landmarks and smells are gone.
• For a few days, keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers inside the house. If your house is damaged, they could escape and become lost. 
• Be patient with your pets. Re-establish their routines as soon as possible. Be ready for behavioral problems. If problems continue, or if your pet is having health problems, talk to your veterinarian. 

Emergency supply list for pets. Have everything ready to go. Store supplies in sturdy easy to carry containers. Include:

• Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container, and a first-aid kit. 
• Sturdy leashes and harnesses. A secure carrier large enough for your pet to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. Add blankets or towels for bedding.
• Photos to help identify lost pets and prove ownership. 
• Food and water for at least seven days for each pet. 
• Bowls, cat litter and litter box, and a manual can opener. 
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems and the name and number of your veterinarian. 
• Pet beds and toys, if you can easily take them. 
• Newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items and household bleach.  

Have a Happy Tuesday!

Tip Tuesday: Accidental Poisioning, What to do.

We would never want anything bad to happen but knowing what to do in an emergency can save a life! Here's a good list of preventative precautions and what to do if something happens.

Prevention:

-Keep emergency numbers next to your phone

-Use child-resistant containers (but remember: child-resistant container are not completely childproof)

- Keep potentially poisonous products in their origional containers 

-Place potentially poisonous products out of reach immediately after use

-Put Mr. Yuck stickers in all poisonous products in and around your home, and teach children what the stickers mean. (For more information on Mr. Yuck- or to order Mr. Yuck stickers - visit the Washington Poison Center's Web site HERE.)

Make sure these products are stored safely
-Prescription and over-the-counter medications (Including aspirin and vitamins)
-Disinfectants, deodorants and air fresheners
-All kinds of sprays
-Polishes and cleansing powder
-Fertilizers and weed killers
-Insect and rodent poison; slug bait
-Paint remover and turpentine
-Cosmetics
-Soaps, detergents and shampoo
-Toilet bowl and drain cleaners
-Lye and bleach
-Kerosene and lighter fluids
-Insect repellent
-Mothballs and pesticides

What to do when someone is poisoned:
If it is a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1. If you suspect a possible poisioning call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Be prepared to answer these questions:
-What was taken?
-When was it taken?
-How much was taken?
-Who took it? Body Size makes a big difference in determining a poisonous dose.
-The name, condition, age and weight of the patient.
-Addresses and telephone number from where you are calling

Poison Center:
The Washington Poison Center is a 24-hour telephone service providing information and emergency response for poisonings. Staffed by nurses, pharmacists and poison information specialists (and supported by a board-certified clinical toxicologist), the center handles over 70,000 calls a year.

All this information was provided by the Washington State Health department. For more info click HERE!


Happy Tuesday!

Tip Tuesday: Prevent Washing Machine Hose Failures

Did you know?

According to State Farm Insurance Statistics, washing machine hose failures cause approximately $170 million in damages to homes in the United States & Canada. The true figure may be even higher, as this amount accounts for reported claims only.

Now you know! :)

Fortunately, there are some simple, quick and inexpensive steps that homeowners can take to eliminate the problem.

1. Regularly inspect your washing machine hoses.

2. Make sure there are at least 4 inches of clearance between the water connection and the back of the washing machine. This space will help reduce the chances that the hose will kink. 

3. Make sure your connections are secure.

4. Buy a high quality hose. There is one type of hose (Floodcheck) that was originally designed for use in condominiums. It contains a non-corroding rounded brass insert and several other features which
were specifically designed to address the shortcomings found in most washing machines. 

5. Shut off your hoses when not in use. You can either shut them off manually each time, or install an automatic washing machine shutoff valve. 

6. Never leave your washer on when you are asleep or out of the house.

Happy Tuesday!