Home & Garden Toolbox

Stay safe

Each year, 11,000 people end up in the emergency room during the holidays. Be safe, follow these tips:

* Be responsible when consuming alcohol, have a designated driver and, if you drink, drink moderately.

* Use proper-size ladders when taking down decorations. Don’t do it alone. Have an adult hold the ladder.

* Carbon monoxide poisoning kills people every winter. The gas is odorless, so install and frequently check carbon monoxide detectors. Clean out fireplaces, and make sure that fireplaces, heaters and stoves have proper ventilation.

* If your child got a new bike, skateboard or other sports gear for the holidays, make sure he or she also has safety helmets and protective gear. Insist that they are worn.

— American College of Emergency Physicians

Best bets

JAN. 19: Flower Power garden seminar, Home Builders Association of Southern Tennessee, 3221 Harrison Pike. Instructor: extension agent Carol Reese, a columnist for Horticulture magazine. 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. Proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity. Tickets available at Hamilton County Extension office, 6183 Adamson Circle (423) 855-6113.

JAN. 21-24: Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms Conference, hosted by Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza. Field trips, workshops, 56 sessions on sustainable production. Free grant-writing workshop Jan. 25. $160 before Jan. 7 (additional fees for pre-conference workshops and field trips). www.ssawg.org, (678) 494-0696.