Public Spark

• Food Preparation:

  Certain foods are better when they’re cooked at the last minute or right before the party. For example, the cooked turkeys, stuffings, etc. My dad, who is a chef, always says with cooking expect the unexpected. There might be an ingredient you forgot or time running out before the guests come. He says the best thing to do in this situation is to improvise or stall the guests.

• Ambiance Preparation:

  Christmas is a fun time to awaken all your senses. Christmas carols playing in the background can create a great holiday ambiance. Prepare last minute decorations such as floral centerpieces for the table, lighting, and candles.

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Whether it be dressing up your pets for Halloween or having them in the house to prevent children from scaring them, it’s important to take measures to keep your pets safe. Here are some tips to keep your pets stress-free and safe on Halloween.

• Find a secure place to keep you pets.

  Many pets get loose when the door opens and the presence of little (and big) costumed people often scares them. This increases the chance your pet running away or getting hit by a car. Also make sure that they cannot reach the candy. If your pet has any aggressive tendencies, fear of loud noises, or a habit of excessive barking, place him in a quiet room as far away from your front door as possible. Give them plenty of chew toys, a favorite blanket or anything that comforts your pet. Also consult your vet for tranquilizers.

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FOR NON-TRICK OR TREATERS:

• On Halloween night, motorists need to be especially cautious as there will be many people on the streets. Watch for children walking on roadways, curbs and darting out from between parked cars. Children may be hard to spot because of dark costumes.

• Trick-or-treaters will approach the doorstop, so it is important for homeowners to remove anything that they could trip on. These include garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.

• Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.

• Restrain pets so they don’t inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

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Halloween is a fun time to go through the traditional route of going door to door to get candy, go to Disneyland for the Halloween Time or to go to a party. Here are some tips parents should know so that children can stay safe and have fun.

• Plan and designate a route before children go trick-or-treating, and make sure they stick to it. Accompany your kids if you don’t think they’re old enough to trick or treat. If they are, encourage them to go in groups.

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Wildfire Safety:

• Report hazardous conditions that may cause a wildfire.

• Teach family members how to use the fire extinguisher.

• Keep matches out of the reach of children.

• Install a smoke detector on each level of your home and make sure batters are changed at least 2 times a year.

• Regularly clean roofs and gutters.

• Inspect and clean chimneys at least twice a year.

• Buy a ladder that is long enough to reach your roof.

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In June, I wrote a blog on how to prepare for an earthquake. Today’s blog will be on what to do during and after an earthquake.

What to do during an earthquake:

American Red Cross and other emergency preparedness agencies recommend what is called Drop, Cover, and Hold on when an earthquake strikes. If you are in bed, it is best to stay in bed, hold on and protect your head with a pillow. If you are outdoors, you need to find a clear spot away from dangers such as buildings, powerlines, trees. Once you have done so, you need to drop to the ground. If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place. Stay in the car until the shaking subsides.

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Emergencies are unpredictable, but there are steps to ensure that you are well prepared.

It is important to make a plan

• Talk with your family about establishing a family meeting place and an out-of-town contact. Carry phone numbers and addresses of all potential meeting places. A family friend was in the middle of the Kobe, Japan earthquake. The phone lines were down and family did not hear from her for a day. Fortunately, she had known of an out-of-town contact and walked over there and was able to reestablish contact with her family.

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