Keeping Kids Safe in the Water

Swimming pools provide so much fun and joy for families over the summer, but without the proper safety precautions, a relaxing day can turn deadly all too quickly. Before swimming season kicks off for the summer, be sure to brush up on your pool safety protocols, especially when there are young children or non-swimmers around. Here are my tips:

1. Supervise: Never leave young children alone near a pool. Even if you are there, don’t be tempted by distractions such as scrolling through your phone. Drownings happen in seconds. 

2. Learn First Aid: All parents and pool owners should know CPR and basic first aid techniques. In case of emergency, these skills can be the difference between life and death

3. Install Fencing: Every pool must be enclosed by a secure barrier that’s at least four feet high. If a child can squeeze through a gap or jump over a fence, it’s not safe. 

4. Consider an Alarm: If you have kids or grandchildren, a pool alarm is a worthwhile investment. It will alert you when someone has entered the water, enabling you to act quickly.

5. Start Swimming Early: All children should learn how to swim at an early age. Red Cross-certified lessons are available through most town Park and Rec departments.

6. Teach Water Safety: All kids should know about pool safety rules such as no diving in shallow water, no running, and no entering the pool without permission and an adult present.

7. Use Life Jackets: Not all flotation devices are the same. If you have an inexperienced swimmer, a well-fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is a safe bet. Many floaties can actually hold a child underwater if not used properly. 

8. Remove Toys: When not in use, toys and floats can be very tempting for a child. Keep all toys put away to ensure there is nothing to unintentionally entice them.

9. Secure Filters: Pool filters are interesting places for little hands to explore. Make sure yours are safe and secure.

10. Be Prepared: A shepherd’s hook, ring buoy, and a rope to delineate the shallow and deep ends should all be within easy reach and inspected for damage regularly. 

More than anything, be sure to stay vigilant and remember that supervising children by the pool is a full-time job. Even if you’re at a community swimming pool that is looked after by lifeguards, a young person can go under in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips, create a plan for your family, and enjoy a safe and fun swim season this summer.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Christmas Tree Varieties

With so many beautiful Christmas trees to choose from, it can be hard to pick a type that will suit a family’s home and unique needs. You might not know that some trees are better for kids while others are great for people with allergies. Some have strong branches that are excellent for heavy ornaments while others are much more delicate. Here is my list of the top trees that you’ll find at your local farm or stand, and some of the key differences to help you find your perfect match. 

Balsam Fir

One of the most popular picks for Christmas is a balsam fir, which is loved for its sturdy needles, bright green color, strong scent, and beautiful shape. Because of its popularity, the balsam fir is also one of the more affordable options of all the different tree types. You can’t go wrong with this classic, which grows strong and lasts long. Plus, like most firs it’s hypoallergenic too. 

White Pine

This is another winner but for a much different reason than the balsam. White pines are loved by families for their super soft texture and touchable needles. They can grow very large and they are also inexpensive, which makes them the choice tree for many people with young children. One thing to note about this species is that those soft needles grow from delicate branches, so only go this route if you have lightweight ornaments. 

Douglas Fir

Though called a fir, the Douglas is actually a species all its own. While grown mainly in the Northwest region of the United States, this tree is popular all over the country because it’s tough enough to withstand early cutting and lots of traveling. The needles are soft with a sweet fragrance and the shape is conical, making it easy and fun to decorate without too much precision.

Blue Spruce

The color of this tree makes it the hero of any holiday decor. Those beautiful bluish needles are easy to fall in love with, but decorator beware - those babies are sharp! If you have a good set of gloves, they will be well worth using to get this tree in place. But once it’s decorated, you can rest easy as pets tend to keep their distance. 

Concolor Fir

The concolor is a favorite in my house because it has all the wonderful characteristics of the fir species - great shape, good color, strong branches, and long needles. The difference is the smell. Unlike most Christmas trees, this variety offers a beautiful citrus scent, keeping the house bright and fresh smelling through the holidays. 

What type of tree does your family love? Is there one I have missed that makes its way into your house year after year? I’d love to hear from you - shoot me a message on Facebook at facebook.com/odonnellbros. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

A Quick Guide to Christmas Tree Varieties

With so many beautiful Christmas trees to choose from, it can be hard to pick a style and species to suit a family’s home and unique needs. You might not know that some trees are better for kids while others are great for people with allergies. Yet other varieties are good for certain types of heat and can withstand warmer, dryer temperatures for longer. So without further ado, here is my list of the top trees that you’ll find at your local farm or stand, and some of the key differences to help you find your perfect match. 

Balsam Fir

One of the most popular picks for Christmas is a balsam fir, which is loved for its sturdy needles, bright green color, strong scent, and beautiful shape. Because of its popularity, the balsam fir is also one of the more affordable options of all the different tree types. You can’t go wrong with this classic, which grows strong and lasts long. Plus, like most firs, it’s hypoallergenic too. 

White Pine

This is another winner but for a much different reason than the balsam. White pines are loved by families for their super soft texture and touchable needles. They can grow very large and they are also inexpensive, which makes them the choice tree for many people with young children. One thing to note about this species is that those soft needles grow from delicate branches, so only go this route if you have lightweight ornaments. 

Douglas Fir

Though called a fir, the Douglas is actually a species all its own. While grown mainly in the Northwest region of the United States, this tree is popular all over the country because it’s tough enough to withstand early cutting and lots of traveling. The needles are soft with a sweet fragrance and the shape is conical, making it easy and fun to decorate without too much precision.

Blue Spruce

The color of this tree makes it the hero of any holiday decor. Those beautiful bluish needles are easy to fall in love with, but decorator beware - those babies are sharp! If you have a good set of gloves, they will be well worth using to get this tree in place. But once it’s decorated, you can rest easy as pets tend to keep their distance. 

Concolor Fir

The concolor is a favorite in my house because it has all the wonderful characteristics of the fir species - great shape, good color, strong branches, and long needles. The difference is the smell. Unlike most Christmas trees, this variety offers a beautiful citrus scent, keeping the house bright and fresh smelling through the holidays. 

What type of tree does your family love? Is there one I have missed that makes its way into your house year after year? I’d love to hear from you - shoot me a message on Facebook at facebook.com/odonnellbros. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.