Danger in the Home

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 87, Issue 2, 15 August 1953, Page 185

Danger in the Home

EREQUENT accidents occur in and round • the home, some minor and some fatal, but all avoidable if adequate precautions are taken. The home can be made safe, if safety is a habit, if children are guarded, and if old folks' frailties are considered. Such headlines as "Child Eats Caustic Soda", "Baby Scalded", "Woman Electrocuted", or "Elderly Woman Burnt to Death" need not apply to your family. In this article Molly Macpherson, Field Officer in Rural Sociology, Department of Agriculture, Auckland, draws attention to the fact that some unsuspected dangerous materials may be in use and some, dangerous, habits, unregarded, as dangerous, may be prevalent in the home, and points out ways of preventing accidents by • correcting the conditions which: may cause them;

FIRE is one of the most feared dangers in the home. It “is a good, servant, .but a cruel master”, and dangerous fires can. start from a va?ilty of causes some of which are listed here ’ some 01 wmcn are pj re „ ... , „ . Fires without Guards All fireplaces and radiators are safe when a fire guard is used. to. prevent any accidental contact, between the fire or radiator and the furnishings or clothing. A guard should be securely placed so that it will not fall away or allow sparks to pass.' Electric radiators are available which are designed for safety against fire.

Unswept Chimneys . Chimneys catch fire when there is an accumulation of unswept soot in the p«i accummauon oi unswept ooor in me chimney. Having chimneys swept once a year is a wise precaution. Inflammable Materials Most fabrics will burn or melt and can cause painful burns. Very light materials are more dangerous and extra precautions should be taken. Extremely dangerous inflammable materials are lacquered fabrics, nets or tulle, flannelettes, cottonwool, celluloid, some compositions of casein as in knife handles and picnic ware, and blasting powder. When these materials are used essential pre-

cautions such as the guarding of fires, heaters, and any naked flame will reduce the danger. Hot Ashes Glowing embers may persist in ashes for a long time, and all care should be taken with hot ashes. The ash tin should be metal with a lid to prevent the ashes scattering and should be placed away from wood or. wooden walls. It is necessary to provide another receptacle for rubbish which will burn.

* n Bed . ... . A s Ppker in bed is surrounded by which mav smoulder carrying fire and which may smoulder for some time before bursting into flame. In the meantime the smoker and other members of the household may have gone to sleep, thus allowing a much stronger A re to be established. . Inflammable spirits All inflammable spirits are . dangerous if they are used near any naked flame or within a building, where the spirit evaporates and explosive gases accumulate. Inflammable spirits should be stored away from the house and should be used away from naked flames and outside where the explosive

gases can be dispersed and blown away harmlessly. For dry cleaning a fluid cleaner based on carbon tetrachloride (poisonous but not inflammable) is safer. Burning off Close to Buildings Rubbish which will burn is dangerous if it is just left lying around; so are piles of wood, uncut grass, bracken fern and scrub, tree prunings, straw, and paper packing. These should be disposed of, and if they are burnt, this should be done away from the house or outbuildings, on a calm day, when flying sparks are not a hazard. Poisons High on the list of home dangers are poisons such as insecticides and disinfectants, which are potentially dangerous because they may be mistaken for something else and may not be out of reach of children. Insecticides and Vermin Poisons All powders and liquids used for killing insects and vermin round the house and outbuildings should be regarded as poisons. They should be covered securely and labelled clearly so that they are not mistaken for harmless materials, and kept out of the reach of children who cannot read, preferably in a high locked cupboard or on high shelves in rooms that can be securely closed against children. These poisons should never be stored with ingredients that are used for food preparation. Disinfectants and Cleaning Fluids Disinfectants and cleaning fluids are used frequently, and although they require to be kept in a place easily accessible, the storage should be completely safe, especially where there are

children. Therefore all disinfectants and cleaning fluids should be stored on high shelves or in locked cupboards. The containers should be securely closed to avoid spills, and clearly labelled so that mistaken identity will cause no accidents. These preparations should not be stored with foods or medicines or in containers which have formerly held food or soft drinks. After disinfectants and cleaning fluids have been used they should be returned to storage immediately, thus avoiding their , being left unattended while they are out of storage. Garden Sprays Garden sprays also need safe storage on high . shelves in securely closed rooms or in locked cupboards where they cannot be mistaken for other materials. Care should be taken that while in use or out of storage sprays are not left unattended at any time. Medicines, Pills, and Tablets Because some medicines, pills, and tablets are brightly coloured, they are attractive to children. However, all these preparations should be stored on shelves and in cupboards inaccessible to children. All bottles and jars should be clearly labelled for contents and dose. Before the medicine is used the bottle or jar should be inspected to prevent mistakes and the directions for use read. No such preparations should be put into containers which have formerly held a harmless substance or food.

DANGER IN THE HOME

Burns and Scaids Burns and scalds can be caused by bad arrangement of equipment round the home and by carelessness. Trailing Cords from Electric Jugs A cord from an electric jug should be long enough to reach between the plug socket and the place where the jug stands without being taut and without hanging in a loose loop so that young children can reach it or where it may be accidentally caught by people passing. The electric cord should never be placed across a space where people may pass or where the placing of utensils can pull the cord and upset the electric jug. A safety holder should be used for the electric jug, which should be in a safe place with the cord securely out of harm’s way. Overhanging Pot Handles The handles of pots and pans should always be away from the front. of the stove so that children will not reach up to them and so that the clothing of people passing cannot catch on a protruding handle and upset the pot, the contents of which may be scalding hot. Steam Burns With pressure cooking if all the directions and precautions in the leaflet with the pressure saucepan are followed, no accidents can happen. The kettle spout should be turned away so that steam cannot burn anyone working at the stove top.

Handling of Cooking Ware Any stove , or oven ware containing hot liquid or hot . food should be handled .with' care,* as the container may break or the contents spill. Loose handles or cracked, ware should be replaced to reduce the possibility of accidents. •; Oven Cloths and Pot Holders Oven cloths and pot holders should be of good size and should protect the hands from contact with heat. Holes are a danger, as they catch on. pot and pan handles or other protruding objects; any cloths or holders with holes ■ in them or which are worn in any way should be replaced. It may be necessary to use two holders with large ’ saucepans so that there is no danger of any hot surface touching the hands. {■ Hot-Bath Water Before a child or disabled adult is put into a bath, the water should be tested to make sure it is not too hot. Bath water should always be tested before anyone enters it. - Copper Boiling over If a copper stick is placed across the top of a copper, the copper will not boil over; however children should be prevented from going near the copper while there, may be danger. Washing that has to be lifted from a hot copper to tubs must be handled with care and the hot, wet clothes should be placed on and around the copper stick so that they do not accidentally slip off; they should be lifted across a splash board placed between the copper and tubs. Electrical Hazards Where permanent electrical wiring is not interfered with and the maintenance of electrical appliances is placed in the hands of registered electricians it is well established that electricity is safe to use and, through a wide range of applications, promotes the well-being of the entire household. Electrical installations give many years of trouble-free service. Any householder in doubt about the condition of an installation should have it checked by a qualified electrician and should always employ such a person to make repairs, extensions, or. alterations. Flexible cords are not suitable for use in place of permanent wiring and risk of fire is increased where such cords are laid under floor coverings, tacked to walls, passed through holes in the structure of the house, or taken through doorways.

From time to time portable electrical appliances should be checked by a qualified person. It is preferable that this check be carried out in the house, as the location in which an appliance is used has considerable bearing on its suitability. The wall sockets into which the appliance is plugged should also be checked. Flexible cords require skilled attention, because, when they are repaired, it is essential that the connections be made correctly. Incorrect connections may not only rob the appliance of its protective earthing, but may turn the otherwise-safe appliance into a death trap. In bathrooms electrical appliances must be installed as fixtures forming part of the permanent wiring, the use of portable electrical appliances being prohibited. When a portable electrical appliance is being bought assurance should be sought that it is safe to use in all the intended locations and in the proximity of one or more of the appliances already in use. This may require checking by a qualified person. . When a plug is being pulled from the point, hands should be dry . or a dry cloth should be used. No electrical fittings should be touched with bare, wet hands.

Old fluorescent tubes should not be used as towel rails or as children’s playthings, as they are doubly dangerous because of the possibility of broken glass and the harmful chemical that may be inside. Contact with aerial electric lines should be avoided at all times. If such lines break, it is necessary to keep away from anything on which they rest. Climbing- or working near electric lines can be dangerous. If work is necessary near lines going to outbuildings, the supply should be switched off, and if work is required near lines coming in from the road, the supply authority should be asked to disconnect- these. Children must be warned about climbing on roofs near aerial electric lines, as touching these while standing on an iron roof is suicidal. Keep clear of aerial electric lines at all times, and if they fall, keep clear of any object on which they rest. Falls Falls are a common mishap round the home, especially for old people and children, . and every care should be taken to ensure that furnishings and fittings are so arranged.and made that the danger of falls is reduced as much as possible. Climbing on Unsafe Supports Shelves and cupboards in a home are more convenient and safer if they are built within reach of an adult. However, if high shelves and cupboards are already installed, a safe method of reaching them is necessary. Step ladders which are firm and nontipping and with steps which have sufficient room for a firm foothold should be used. Steps .Steps at doorways, including those of outbuildings, should be permanently constructed of sound materials with a non-slippery surface. Steps with much height require at least one hand-rail for support and an outside light to illuminate them at night. Where old people or children use steps a ramp with a hand-rail instead of steps is much safer and might be worth installing.

Floor Coverings Small rugs are safer if pieces of nonslip material such as rubber are attached to the corners or edges to prevent slipping and curling. All frayed or torn carpets and mats are danger-, ous, as they may cause people to trip and fall, as will linoleum which is worn into holes. Highly polished floors may be attractive but are dangerous,' especially under small mats where there is traffic back and forth. All grease and liquids spilt on the floor and not wiped up are liable to cause slips and falls. Objects Left Lying Around When left lying around, toys, particularly those with wheels, can cause serious accidents. Pieces of furniture . and household equipment left in unexpected places are dangerous. Pointed instruments such as scissors, screwdrivers, and sticks not only cause falls but may cause additional injuries. Some gardening tools have cutting edges and points. Chisels and saws have cutting edges. Hammers can fall from shelves and ledges. Rubbish can contain injurious articles. All these objects require a place for storage after use. Any objects left lying around are dangerous to everybody in daylight and dark, and storage space should be provided for the articles named. Use of the storage space should be insisted on, as should the habit of putting away with both children and adults. Buildings and Fences Buildings and fences which have convenient stepping places invite children to climb. Such stepping places are not always safe and the tops of buildings are certainly not safe. High board fences often have narrow ledges which can be used to climb the fence but which are unsafe, and there is similar danger with a picket fence, the boards of which have sharpened points. There is danger where children can swing on gates and crush their fingers. Creation of such hazards should be avoided and all possible stepping places to heights should be removed. Ladders should never be left unattended against buildings. If buildings, and fences are kept in good repair, no materials will fall and cause injury. Falls into wells and excavations would not happen if such danger spots were securely covered, marked, or fenced. Is Your Home Safe? Avoidance of the dangers described will probably be assisted if those responsible for safety in the home consider the following points. Poisons Are insecticides and poisons safe from children? Are insecticides and poisons stored on their own? Are all cleaning fluids and disinfectants stored high? ' Are any liquids or powders which may be poisonous left unattended at any time? Are all medicines and ointments clearly labelled? Are labels read for directions before anything is used?

Burns and Scalds Is the electric jug cord the correct length? Are handles of pots and pans turned away from the front of the stove or bench? Are any objects with loose handles or any cracked ovenware in use? Are pot holders and oven cloths efficient? Is hot bath water tested before use to prevent scalding? Is a copper stick laid across the copper to prevent boiling over? Electrical Hazards A registered electrician should check all fuses and all electrical appliances to see that they are in good order and perfectly safe to use. A registered electrician should do all repairs, extensions, and alterations to electrical installations and the , maintenance of all appliances and flexible cords. No portable electrical appliance should be used in a bathroom. Falls Is a special step ladder used instead of a chair for reaching high shelves? Are ladders and steps well built and kept in good repair? Is there at least one hand-rail and a light on steps and stairs? Has a ramp instead of steps been considered? Are stairways clear of packages, mops, brooms, and tools? Are small rugs placed away .from traffic routes and the head of stairs? Are small rugs non-skid? Have children and adults the habit of putting things away? Is spilt grease immediately mopped up? Are children tempted with convenient stepping places to climb heights. Are all wells and excavations clearly marked or fenced off? Fire Is an unattended fire guarded with a fire guard? Are chimneys and stove pipes inspected and cleaned regularly? Are hot ashes stored in a. metal ash can away from wooden buildings? Is smoking in bed forbidden? Are all inflammable spirits used in the open air away from naked flames? Is the burning of rubbish .avoided on a windy day and near buildings and haystacks? Miscellaneous Are special containers provided for broken glass? . . Are matches kept out of reach of children? Are small things which children might swallow kept out of reach? Are guns unloaded and locked up? Is there a first-aid kit in the house? Do you know how to treat electric shock cases? Do you urge members of the family to work safely, play safely, and try to prevent accidents by correcting conditions which cause them? Keep this article and show it to your family.

COCOA BEFORE Columbus set out to find the Spice Islands nobody of the "known" world knew of those refreshing drinks cocoa and chocolate. However, two highly civilised peoples in the Americas, the Incas and the Aztecs, had known them for many generations and used them as the national beverage. When Cortes and other conquistadores brought the new drink back to Spain it did not meet with universal approval, but it gradually spread through Italy, France, and Germany, and gained its greatest popularity in France. In Europe chocolate houses similar to coffee houses were started. One of the most famous of these in London was known as "The Cocoa Tree" and still exists as a club. COCOA is produced from the bean of the tree Theobroma cacao (literally “food of the gods”), which grows between 20 and 30ft. high. The pods are produced on the trunk and main branches. There are several varieties of cacao, and some of the important producing countries are the Gold Coast, Venezuela, Ecuador, Trinidad, Sao Thome, San Domingo, and Brazil. Preparation of Beans Cocoas are generally divided into strong and mild types according to the flavour, which depends on the variety of the tree, the climate, and the method of preparing the bean for grinding. The ancient Indians prepared the bean by fermenting it to remove the pulp, then roasting, shelling, and grinding it, and essentially the same practice is followed now. Merchants buy and blend different kinds of beans, which are fermented before they are exported. The blended beans are then roasted, shelled, and ground. Up to this stage the preparation is the same for both cocoa and chocolate. The paste resulting from the grinding contains a lot of cocoa butter, and if the paste is to be made into cocoa, some of the butter is . pressed out; this butter is retained and added to the portion of the paste which is to be made into chocolate. Chocolates are divided into dark and milk chocolates and have sugar, flavourings, milk solids, coconut, fruit, and nuts added. Thin and Thick Cocoas Cocoas are divided into “thin” or soluble types and “thick” types, according to the beverage they yield when the powder is stirred in boiling water. Thick cocoas comprise prepared cocoas, homeopathic cocoas, Caracas cocoas, pearl cocoas, maravilla, and chocolate powders. Sugar and arrowroot are sometimes added to make them less rich. They vary in quality and price according to the proportion of cocoa nibs (roasted, shelled beans), the quality of the ingredients, the skill of the blending, and the care taken in rejecting all inferior pieces of nib. Navy cocoa is one of the thick cocoas. Thin cocoas include cocoa essences, cocoa extracts, and concentrated cocoas. In the preparation of these about twothirds of the natural butter is extracted to leave the remainder a dry powder which is then prepared for sale. A teaspoonful of this in either hot milk or hot water makes a dark thin, tealike beverage which is less rich than the thick cocoas. Cocoa as it is bought from a grocer is a thin cocoa.

Cocoa Drinks Several different ways in which Cocoa drinks can be prepared in the home are: —■ Cocoa 1 teaspoon of cocoa. . § cup of hot milk I teaspoon of sugar Pinch of salt Mix the cocoa, sugar, and salt to a paste with J- cup of water and 1 add the hot milk. A: piece of marshmallow on top is an attractive garnish. ’ Creamy cocoa: Add J . teaspoon of cornflour to the mixture and whisk the drink before serving it. This makes a thicker beverage which . does . not separate out readily. Cocoa with egg: Just before serving the cocoa, add i egg per cup and whisk the drink lightly. Another method of preparing cocoa is to mix 2 teaspoons each of sugar and cocoa and pour on a cup of boiling water. Add 1 teaspoon of whipped cream just before serving the drink, or omit the sugar and add 1 teaspoon of sweetened condensed milk. Chocolate Syrup 3 tablespoons of A pinch of salt cocoa A few drops of i tablespoon of vanilla butter i cup of sugar Melt the butter and add the cocoa, : sugar, salt, and f cup of hot water. Boil the mixture gently for 5 minutes. Cool it and add the vanilla. Bottle the syrup and keep it in a cool place. Add 1 tablespoon to 1 cup of hot milk to . make chocolate. This syrup also makes a pleasing sauce for ice . cream. Chocolate Milk Shake Mix 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup with 1 cup of cold 24-hour-old milk and beat them well. Two tablespoons of ice cream may be added. Serve the

drink very cold.

NELL MACPHERSON,

Field-Officer in Rural Sociology, Department of Agriculture, Auckland