20 Tips to Keep Safe this Holiday Season

By Jared Plasky

TVI Supply

Fake versus Real Christmas Trees

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  When using a real tree make sure the needles are fresh and attached to the tree. Lose needles can hurt small children and animals.
• Make sure your tree is properly watered; a dry tree can be a fire hazard.
• For an artificial tree, make sure it’s fire resistant.
• Keep any tree away from heat sources or open flames.

Lights and Plugs for Indoors and Outdoors

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  Use extension cords when necessary, don’t try and stretch lights.
• Make sure all lights and outlets are safety tested and approved by plugging and unplugging to test.
• Do not bind more than three strands of cords together at once; it can be a tripping hazard.
• Make sure all cords aren't frayed and all bulbs are attached to designated spots, this can be an extreme hazard.
• Never leave your lights on while you’re asleep or out for long periods of time.

Fireplaces and Candles

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  Make sure your fireplace is cleaned out. A fire cleaning brick is best for ensuring safety.
• Keep any stockings, hanging decorations or garland above fireplace, and out of the way of sparks.
• Make sure you have working fire alarms and extinguishers.
• Make sure all candle wicks are cared for properly, i.e. (trimming them).

Ornaments & Small Decorations

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  Make sure no decorations have fallen off the tree as they can be a tripping hazard.
• Keep easy to swallow and breakable ornaments out of the grasp of children or animals.
• Older ornaments run the risk of having old lead based paint, it might be best to replace these with new ornaments.

Outdoor Decorations

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  Make sure to use a safe ladder while decorating your roof.
• Be careful while walking on the roof. Hazards come in many forms such as loose roofing or ice.
• Do not staple or nail through any wires.
• Make sure the lights you are using are specifically made for the outdoors.

Super Storm Sandy: What We Can Do As Americans To Help

By: Jared Plasky

The East Coast was hit by a devastating super storm which caused many to lose homes, be without power and some even lost their lives. In times of tragedy we must join together as one and help those in need. Many organizations have banded together to provide things such as food and water, shelter and a shoulder to lean on during this tough time.

The best thing we can do as citizens is supply those affected with the necessities they need to get back on their feet, which can include canned goods for most or for those with younger children, diapers and formula.  Water pumps and generators can really aide those who are trying to eradicate water or power their homes. TVI Supply knows that the carnage Hurricane Sandy left is going to take a lot of cleanup, which is why we are donating cleaning gloves to the cause. We hope that everyone will do their part to aide the East Coast in their recovery. Our generators, pumps and heaters are being sold at cost to those affected by the storm.

If you would like to donate you can reach your local American Red Cross by dialing the Toll Free number, 800-733-2767 to get information about the closest donation center. You can also purchase items you want shipped over for donation from www.tvisupply.com to the East Coast area or by contacting us at 586-563-1310 or 586-563-1320. Our many distribution centers are able to get victims the supplies in a timely manner. TVI Supply continues to keep all affected by Sandy in our prayers.