2008 Holiday Safety Tips by Francis Mowbray

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas Lights Never use lights Never use electric 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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