HOLIDAY SAFETY

1. HOLIDAY SAFETY

2. The Stats • 8,700 people injured each year • Falls • Cuts • Shocks • 400 fires annually • 20 deaths • 70 injuries • $15M in property loss and damage

3. Tree Safety • NEVER use candles to decorate trees • Unsafe practice of the past, but still done for tradition’s sake! • If you must do it….never leave unattended • Water cut trees daily • Rule of thumb: 1 qt water per 1” diameter per day (initially) • Dispose of tree immediately after season ends before the needles dry out • NEVER place near heat source • Space heater, fire place, radiators, etc.

4. Tree Safety (cont) • Artificial trees • Look for “Fire Resistant” label • May still catch fire, but will resist burning and extinguish quickly • NEVER use electric lights on metallic tree • Faulty lights may charge the metal • Electrocution may result • Use “Non-tip” style tree stands • Avoid lead-based decorations • Hazardous to children if ingested

5. Cords - A Few Basic Tips • If in doubt, simply feel the cord after power has been applied for 20-30 minutes • If it’s warm to the touch, decrease the load! • Use of an Amp Clamp to measure exact loads is safest method • Avoid “daisy-chaining” multiple cords and light strands • Not because OSHA frowns on it, but because you will run a higher risk of fire, overload, etc. • Keep it Simple. Keep it Safe.

6. General Lighting Safety • Use only lights tested by recognized testing laboratory (ie. UL approved) • Check light strands for broken sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections • NEVER use indoor lights outside • Green label = indoor use; Red = outdoor • Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house • For added shock/electrocution protection • Plug lights into circuits protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)

7. Holiday Shopping Safety • Busiest Shopping Season … For Thieves Too! • Shop with a friend • Don’t flash large amounts of cash • Lock your car & don’t leave anything in plain sight (use the trunk) • Don’t park next to vans where thieves can hide • Park under a light at night if possible • Check the back seat before getting in your car • Don’t overburden yourself with packages • Stay alert to your surroundings

8. Safety At Parties • PARTY THROWERS: • Offer non-alcoholic drinks for designated drivers • Collect car keys when guests arrive • Offer to let over-doers to stay over • Provide plenty of deep ash trays for smokers • Check under upholstery & in trashcans for smoldering butts • PARTY GOERS: • Have a designated driver plan & stick to it! • Take a Taxi if you’ve overdone it • Don’t let friends drive drunk!

9. Toy Buying Safety • Select Toys to suit age, abilities, skills & the child’s interest • For infants & toddlers avoid toys with small parts (choking) • Don’t buy electric toys with heating elements for kids under 8 • Read the label and use the age guidelines for that toy • Look for sturdy construction and tightly secured small parts • Discard plastic wrappings immediately (suffocation hazard) • Call CSPC hotline 800-638-2772 to report dangerous toys • Check CSPC recall list on the internet http://www.cpsc.gov

10. Holiday Cooking Safety • COOKING • When cooking, keep appliances clean (Grease Fires) • Never leave cooking unattended • Keep flammables away from the stove • Never wear loose fitting sleeves around stove burners • Heat oils slowly, have a lid ready for flash fires • Don’t open the door on a microwave fire • Have a fire extinguisher available in the Kitchen • Don’t overload electrical circuits

11. Cold Weather Cold weather survival can be assured by living the acronym C. O. L. D. Cleanliness and care. Clothing, feet and socks must be kept free of dirt and oils. Overheating. Overheating robs heat through sweat and results in dehydration and coldness. Loose and layered. Clothing should be in layers to facilitate circulation and insulation. Dry. Keep clothes and socks dry.

12. Cold Weather Hypothermia: • The human body is unable to maintain core temp • Low body temp affects the brain • Usually occurs at very low temps, but anything below 40* poss. • Cold water, chilled sweat or rain will hasten effects

13. Cold Weather Hypothermia Symptoms: Adults Children • Shivering / Exhaustion • Confusion / Fumbling • Memory Loss • Slurred Speech • Drowsiness • Bright red and cold skin • Very low energy

14. Cold Weather Hypothermia 1st Aid: • This is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY • Seek IMMEDIATE medical attention! • Take temp and warm them if lower than 95* • Get victim into warm area and remove wet clothing • Victim needs a heat source (Stove, heater, etc. Caution burns) • Warm center of body first (raise core temperature) • Warming beverages to conscious victims (NO BOOZE!) • After temp increase, keep person dry and warm (head & neck) • If victim appears dead, give CPR until resuscitation

15. Cold Weather Auto Tips • Plan extra time for travel • Drive DEFENSIVELY! • If skidding, DO NOT brake! Turn wheels in direction of skid DO NOT OVERSTEER! • Be aware of black ice. Bridges and overpasses may be icy while other parts of the road are not • If you’re stuck, STAY WITH YOUR AUTO! • If stuck, make sure snow/mud is clear of exhaust pipe • Run engine only 10min/hr for heat. Keep window vented • STAY AWAKE! • Tie bright colored cloth to antenna and door handle • Wrap entire body with blankets to stay warm

16. = This + This Or Following The Rules Makes Life So Much Easier And Safer