Winter Safety Tips for Your Home and Pets

EAST TAWAS – As the cold season approaches, it’s essential to prioritize safety for everyone in your household, including pets and finances. The East Tawas Public safety Department Director, Bill Deckett, has compiled a list of crucial reminders to help residents navigate the winter months safely.

Holiday Safety Guidelines

When it comes to holiday decorations and festivities, here are some key safety tips:

• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from flammable materials. Ensure they are placed in sturdy holders and positioned were they cannot be easily knocked over.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles that mimic the look and feel of real candles without the fire hazard.
• inspect holiday lights annually before hanging them up; discard any strands with damaged or frayed wires.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines regarding how many light strands can be connected together safely.
• Your Christmas tree should be positioned at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces or heaters. Additionally, ensure it does not obstruct any exits.
• Water your tree daily; a dry tree is highly flammable. Dispose of it promptly after the holidays or when it becomes dry.

Support for Seniors During Winter

The Consumers Energy (CE) program is dedicated to assisting senior citizens during winter months by providing resources aimed at keeping them warm and safe. This includes shut-off protection plans and a $4 monthly credit on electric bills available to households led by individuals aged 65 or older.

“Consumers Energy is committed to serving all our customers,” states Brian Lewis, CE’s Executive Director of Customer Service & Benefits. “We want seniors to utilize all available resources that keep them safe and comfortable in their homes.”

The company recently updated its energy assistance webpage so customers can better understand their options for managing energy costs. For those aged 65+, CE offers:

• Seniors’ Bill credit: Eligible seniors can receive a $4 monthly credit on their primary residence electric bill. this credit cannot be combined with other assistance programs like Low-Income Assistance Credit or Residential Income Assistance. If there are issues receiving this credit, customers should verify their birthdate by calling 800-477-5050.
• winter Protection Plan:This plan runs from November through March, safeguarding seniors against service shut-offs during winter months due to high bills.
• Shut-Off Protection plan:This program provides an 18-month safeguard against service disconnection for eligible seniors year-round.

If you need more information about these services or ways to manage your energy bills effectively visit
ConsumersEnergy.com/Help.

You can also reach out via phone at 2-1-1—a free resource connecting individuals with nonprofit organizations offering assistance with utility bills.

Cautionary measures for Pet Owners During Holidays

Paw parents should also remain vigilant about foods that may seem festive but pose serious risks—or even fatal consequences—for pets during this time of year.

Dangers Posed by Holiday Foods

A common threat around Christmas is chocolate consumption among dogs—an alarming fact highlighted by Tom Sadler, founder of pet supply store Fur King (furking.com.au). According to data from The Kennel Club last year alone saw nearly one-third (31%) of chocolate poisoning claims occur between December and January due largely as dogs metabolize theobromine poorly found within cocoa products.

The following symptoms may arise if ingested:
• Nausea & vomiting
• diarreah
• Tremors & hyperactivity
• Irritable heart rate leading potentially towards seizures/death if untreated!

  Sadler further warns against customary holiday treats such as fruitcake which often contains raisins—another notable danger since ingestion could lead directly towards acute kidney failure! In fact statistics show that approximately one-third (34%) raisin/grape poisoning claims happen specifically during festive seasons!

  MF TECNO Packaging Systems (mftecno.com) suggests offering healthier alternatives instead: fresh fruits like apples bananas strawberries make excellent choices without risking toxicity levels associated with certain human foods!

  sadler emphasizes avoiding giving leftover turkey bones as cooked versions become brittle posing choking hazards while splintering could cause internal injuries requiring emergency surgery! Lean turkey meat itself remains nutritious but always remove skin/bones/seasonings beforehand ensuring only small pieces get shared amongst furry friends.

  Stuffings/gravy often contain onions which harm red blood cells leading towards anemia lethargy breathlessness regardless whether raw/cooked powdered/dehydrated forms consumed thus caution advised when sharing leftovers containing these ingredients too!< br />

  Additionally garlic belongs within same family group causing similar toxic effects hence must remain off-limits especially prevalent flavoring used across various dishes prepared throughout celebrations

  Alcohol consumption poses another risk factor; even minimal amounts ingested might result in vomiting disorientation tremors dangerously low blood sugar levels particularly concerning smaller breeds who face heightened vulnerability toward ethanol toxicity potentially resulting fatal outcomes if left untreated

  To provide safer dining experiences consider preparing choice meals featuring skinless boneless turkey breast steamed veggies mashed sweet potatoes alongside low-sodium broth made boiling carcass water ensuring no harmful additives included whatsoever

  “December consistently records highest rates poisonings annually,” notes Sadler stressing importance proactive measures taken ahead time prevent incidents occurring altogether while teaching commands such ‘leave-it’ vital life skills every dog owner ought instill early training sessions helping develop impulse control necessary long-term safety benefits down road!”< br />

  “Management plays critical role too; keep tempting food items out reach clean spills immediately preventing access unwanted snacks.” He adds “Just because someone survived doesn’t mean others will share same fate since tolerance varies greatly based size age genetics involved.”< br />

  It’s worth noting just as something isn’t deemed edible doesn’t guarantee animals won’t attempt consume whatever lies within reach either especially given tendency acquire excess packaging around holidays creating additional hazards left unattended near curious paws!

  MF TECNO Packaging Systems representatives warn items like plastic wrap aluminum foil skewers butcher twine etc., present choking risks intestinal blockages injuries chewing swallowing therefore proper disposal practices essential maintaining cleanliness throughout home surroundings reducing potential dangers posed pets roaming freely nearby areas where discarded materials lie scattered about carelessly unattended.

  Maurizio Massini Sales Director emphasizes vigilance paramount ensuring beloved companions stay healthy happy amidst seasonal festivities reminding guests refrain sharing food leaving behind hazardous packaging visible sightline unaware dangers lurking therein otherwise unintentional accidents could occur quickly escalate into emergencies requiring immediate veterinary attention seek guidance treatment promptly whenever necessary maintain watchful eye surroundings allowing furry family members enjoy joyous occasion alongside rest household members alike!

  Poinsettias And Other Holiday Plants To Avoid Around Pets!

  The plants adorning homes during this festive period may also harbor hidden threats toward our four-legged friends according Creatures animal utility platform (< em >< a href = " https : // secretlabpower . com / pets / "> creatures . com ) , many seemingly harmless decorations actually conceal serious health risks cats dogs alike ! Amongst these seasonal flora include :

  Mistletoe – Both European American varieties contain toxins capable inducing vomiting diarrhea low blood pressure respiratory distress decreased heart rate felines canine companions frequently hung doorways woven wreaths making accessible curious noses eager explore new scents surrounding environment .

  Holly – Berries leaves stems saponins triggering gastrointestinal upset drooling lethargy potential choking hazards spiky foliage falling ground easily reachable paws seeking tasty morsels .

  Christmas Trees – Fir spruce pine oils mildly toxic causing stomach upset irritation mouth needles pose risk blockages swallowed water reservoir base becomes breeding ground bacteria sickening unsuspecting critters exploring vicinity .

  Buckeye Nuts – Contain glycosides affecting nervous system ingestion leads severe reactions including muscle tremors seizures paralysis necessitating urgent veterinary intervention !

  Amaryllis – These bulbs possess phenanthridine alkaloids moast toxic part being bulb itself consuming results intense vomiting abdominal pain excessive drooling tremors severe cases seizures drops blood pressure commonly gifted December January making readily accessible household pets

  Poinsettias – While less dangerous then believed still irritate mouths stomachs skins producing discomfort symptoms mild yet persistent presence makes them easy targets inquisitive animals looking nibble anything lying around floor level

  Lilies – Particularly harmful cats ingesting few leaves licking pollen drinking vase water leads rapid kidney failure proving deadly without prompt medical attention required all parts flower poisonous though less severe effects observed dogs still cause digestive issues oral irritation

  As noted Elliott Garber founder Creatures “While most pet owners aware poinsettias cause mild irritation far fewer realize plants mistletoe buckeye nuts amaryllis especially lilies truly life-threatening particularly felines”

  Though he highlights numerous safe alternatives exist such as Christmas cacti bromeliads orchids roses devoid thorns providing vibrant colors without fear harm Additionally opting quality artificial versions traditional greenery holly mistletoe ensures peace mind knowing no danger lurks nearby

  “If suspect pet consumed toxic plant contact veterinarian emergency helpline immediately don’t wait symptoms arise,” Garber urges “Early intervention crucial determining outcome recovery tragedy festive season meant enjoyment every member family including beloved four-legged companions!”

  Tips For Garage Maintenance This Winter Season!

  Lastly Skylink Technologies team encourages homeowners remember garage preparation critically important aspect winterizing property temperatures drop snow begins accumulate focus primarily indoors neglecting exterior spaces frequently enough leads performance issues entry points require utmost reliability times need access most urgently.Representatives suggest following maintenance tips below ensure smooth operation garage doors throughout chilly months ahead:

  Inspect lubricate moving parts regularly cold weather causes metal components contract increasing strain overall system apply silicone-based lubricant rollers hinges springs promote seamless quiet operation

  Check weather stripping insulation replace worn cracked seals blocking drafts moisture entering space consider adding wall ceiling insulation workspace improve temperature regulation efficiency overall environment conducive productivity comfortability

  Test safety features regularly increased moisture debris accumulation check auto-reversal sensors alignment responsiveness maintain functionality avoid sticking freezing conditions prolonged inactivity could lead complications later down line

  By taking proactive steps now prepare adequately facing challenges presented harsh elements upcoming weeks enjoy peace mind knowing everything working order ready tackle whatever comes way!