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Holiday Safety Tips
Christmas,
Hanukkah, Kwanza or New Year's! The holidays are a special, happy
time of year. However, just like any other time, there is always a
potential for fires and accidents--maybe even more so because of
increased people traffic, decorations, baking, etc. Common sense
can keep your celebration from turning ugly.
CHOOSING A TREE:
- ARTIFICIAL
TREES
are cleaner and safer but make sure they are fire
retardant
- Make sure the have a
UL label of approval
- METAL TREES,
if used properly, are not fire hazards
- Only illuminate them
with flood lights--never with electric lights which can get damaged
by the sharp metal edges of the tree as well as cause severe shock
and possibly start a fire
- Place the flood
lights up out of reach of children and away from anything that can
burn
- NATURAL TREES
are cut-either by yourself or someone else. To avoid fire
hazards, choose a tree that...
- ...has good color
- ...has needles that
are hard to pull out
- ...has needles that
bend and then break when bent between your thumb and index
finger
- ...has sticky resin
(sometimes referred to as sap) on the butt of the trunk
- ...does not drop a
lot of needles when it's trunk is bounced off the ground
TRIMMINGS &
MAINTENANCE
- Keep a real tree
outside until you are ready to decorate it
- use a stand that is
appropriate for your tree
- If using a real
tree, cut 1 - 2" off the bottom of the trunk to help absorb
water
- Make sure your tree
stand can hold at least one gallon of water
- A tree should use
between 1 quart and 1 gallon of water per day, so be sure to check
the level of water at least once a day. More is desirable
- Secure the tree to
the wall or ceiling with string or wire to keep it from tipping
- Large quantities of
needles falling off the tree indicate a fire hazard. Dispose
of the tree immediately according to your local regulations
- Breakable ornaments
and those with small parts & metal hooks should be placed out of
reach
- Older ornaments
which may be decorated with lead paint are a hazard to pets &
children
- Metal tinsel can
cause a short or a fire if touching electrical lights or wiring and
can be dangerous if swallowed by children or pets
LIGHTS
- Use miniature lights
when possible as they will not dry out the needles as quickly
- All lights should
have the UL approval label
- Use a sturdy ladder
on a solid surface while decorating. Use the buddy system when
hanging lights or decorations
- Inspect each set of
lights (old & new) for 1) broken or cracked wires; 2) frayed or
bare wires; 3) loose connections; 4)loose or missing bulbs
- Throw out or repair
any damaged sets
- Unplug lights before
replacing any bulbs. Read the packaging for proper wattage and
voltage
- Never connect more
than 3 sets of lights together or on an extension cord
- Do not staple or
nail through electrical cords. It could cause an electrical
shock
- Never use extension
cords under carpets, across doorways, or pinched behind furniture
- Never overload
receptacles
- Protect all
electrical connections-both indoors and outdoors-from water
- Unplug all Christmas
lights when leaving or going to bed and never pull on the cord to
unplug
- Remove outdoor
lighting when the season is over. These types of lights are
not designed for prolonged exposure to the elements
- Never decorate a
tree with real candles
MISCELLANEOUS SAFETY
IDEAS FOR AROUND THE HOUSE
- All electrical toys
should be UL approved
- Never burn wrapping
paper or Christmas trees in a fireplace. They burn too quickly
and can create a deadly chemical buildup in the chimney or throw off
sparks that cause fires
- Remove all
stockings, decorations, and greens from in front of the fire place
and mantle before starting a fire
- Keep chocolate out
of the reach of pets
- Poisonous plants
such as mistletoe, poinsettias, holly berries, and ivy should be
kept out of reach of children and pets
- Provide smokers with
large, deep, non-tipping ashtrays. Make sure they are emptied
often but that the butts are completely out before disposing
- Check all furniture
and wastebaskets for smoldering cigarettes
- Alcohol is the #1
cause of many types of accidents around the holiday season.
Please!, don't drink and drive
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