HOLIDAY SAFETY

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

Tree Safety NEVER use candles to decorate trees 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 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 NEVER place near heat source –Space heater, fire place, radiators, etc.

Tree Safety (cont) Artificial trees 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 Use “Non-tip” style tree stands Avoid lead-based decorations Avoid lead-based decorations –Hazardous to children if ingested

Cords - A Few Basic Tips If in doubt, simply feel the cord after power has been applied for minutes If in doubt, simply feel the cord after power has been applied for minutes –If it’s warm to the touch, decrease the load! Use of an Amp Clamp to measure exact loads is safest method Use of an Amp Clamp to measure exact loads is safest method Avoid “daisy-chaining” multiple cords and light strands 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. Keep it Simple. Keep it Safe.

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

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 Holiday Shopping Safety

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! Safety At Parties

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 to report dangerous toys Check CSPC recall list on the internet Toy Buying 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 Holiday Cooking Safety Holiday Cooking Safety

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. 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 Cold Weather

Hypothermia Symptoms: AdultsChildren Shivering / Exhaustion Confusion / Fumbling Memory Loss Slurred Speech Drowsiness Bright red and cold skin Very low energy 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 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 Cold Weather

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