2008 Holiday Safety Tips

1. 2008Holiday Safety Tips by Francis Mowbray

2. Christmas Statistics • Fires during the holiday season in the United States, - Claim 400+ lives, many of those are children (USFA). - Injure 1,650 people (USFA). - Cause over 990 Million dollars in damage (USFA). - Some 18,000 persons suffer falls each year decorating (CDC) by Francis Mowbray

3. Christmas Tree Safety If your using a real tree, • The tree should not lose needles when tapped on the ground. • Cut 1” off the trunk to help the tree absorb water • The tree stand should hold at least 1 gal. of water by Francis Mowbray

4. Christmas Tree Safety • A 6 foot tree will use 1 gallon of water every 2 days. • Mix a chemical preservative with the water. • Check the water level every day. by Francis Mowbray

5. Christmas Tree Safety • Keep the tree away from floor heaters, fire places, or other heat sources • Use only UL-approved lights. • Do not connect more than 3 strands of lights together. by Francis Mowbray

6. Christmas Tree Safety • Use miniature lights - which have cool-burning bulbs • Turn off the Christmas lights when you sleep, or leave your home for very long. • Never use candles, even on artificial trees by Francis Mowbray

7. Christmas Tree Safety • Ensure tinsel or artificial icicles are of non-leaded material • Leaded materials may be hazardous if eaten by children or pets • Avoid decorations that tend to break easily or have sharp edges by Francis Mowbray

8. Christmas Tree Safety • Keep tree trimmings that are small or have removable parts out of the reach of small children. These pieces may be swallowed. by Francis Mowbray

9. Christmas Tree Safety • Clean the tree stand to improve the tree’s water intake, use one capful of bleach to a cup of water • Dispose of the tree properly. NEVER BURN A TREE IN THE FIREPLACE. by Francis Mowbray

10. Christmas Lights • Use only lights approved for outdoor use on the outside of your home • Examine light strings each year, discard worn ones • Fasten the bulbs securely and point the sockets down to avoid moisture build up by Francis Mowbray

11. Christmas Lights • Do not connect more than 3 strands of lights together. • Never use indoor only extension cords outside. • Avoid overloading wall outlets and cords. • Never run cords under rugs or carpets. by Francis Mowbray

12. Christmas Lights • Keep outdoor electrical • connectors above ground and • out of puddles and snow. • Unplug light strings before replacing a bulb. Review the original package to verify proper wattage & voltage by Francis Mowbray

13. Christmas Lights • Never use lights that have an empty socket. • Never use electric lights on a metallic tree, use colored spot lights • Always be sure when trimming trees outdoors, they are not touching any power lines. by Francis Mowbray

14. Christmas Candles • When using candles, place them a safe distance from combustibles • Place candles in sturdy containers. Remember hot wax burns kids • Extinguish candles before going to bed or if they will be unattended. by Francis Mowbray

15. Christmas Gift Wrapping • Dispose of gift wrapping soon after opening presents. • A room full of paper lying around on the floor is an obvious hazard by Francis Mowbray

16. Christmas Gift Wrapping • Do not burn wrappings in the fireplace. They may ignite suddenly and cause a flash fire. by Francis Mowbray

17. Christmas Holiday Plants • Holly and mistletoe can be fatal to a small child. The smaller the child, the smaller the dose that can cause serious medical problems. by Francis Mowbray

18. Christmas Holiday Plants • Poinsettia leaves are not fatal if swallowed, but can cause a skin rash and an upset stomach. • Call 911 if your child ingests any part of a holiday plant. by Francis Mowbray

19. Home Safety • Install smoke detector(s) Or TEST existing ones, and put new batteries in the one(s) you have. • Dispose of fireplace ashes into a metal container until cold by Francis Mowbray

20. Home Safety • Do not allow smoking in your house. The clean air will help to ensure your families health and safety. • If you or your guests must smoke, check around, under the sofa and chair cushions for smoldering cigarettes before going to bed. by Francis Mowbray

21. Home Safety • Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer. You cannot detect its presence as it is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. An electronic meter is the only way to know and warn your family. • Install a minimum of one carbon monoxide detector in your home. by Francis Mowbray

22. Home Safety • Have an operable fire extinguisher readily available, and know how to use it. • Clean your stove/oven prior to the holiday. Often fires occur as the result of an extra load on these appliances. The high use can cause a grease build up leading to a fire. by Francis Mowbray

23. Home Safety • Keep kitchen clutter away from stove and oven • Avoid loose, flammable clothing. Clothing often catches fire around candles, matches, fireplaces and stoves by Francis Mowbray

24. Watch your step ! • With Winter comes snow and Ice. Use extreme caution to avoid falls. If you do fall, do not try to catch yourself. Roll up into a ball, tucking your chin to your chest. by Francis Mowbray

25. Winter Driving • Remember that slipping and sliding is not just something you do when walking. If you drive, use extreme caution. • Slow down • Watch for hazards by Francis Mowbray

26. Two very important Holiday Reminders……. • DO NOT DRINK and DRIVE. (if you must drink, have a designated driver) • ALWAYSwear your seatbelt, and make sure your children are buckled up. It's the Law by Francis Mowbray

27. Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and A Safe and Happy New Year ! From: Savage VFC by Francis Mowbray