Happy Holidays Marty White December 14, 2009

Fire Facts and Figures During 2003-2007, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 250 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. 14 deaths, 26 injuries, and $13.8 million in direct property damage annually. During 2003-2006, an estimated 3700 home structure fires started by candles were reported to local fire departments annually. 40 civilian deaths, 335 civilian injuries and an estimated direct property loss of $120 million annually. Four in 10 reported home fires start in the kitchen -- more than any other place in the home. Half of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February in 2003-2006.

10 Ways to Stay on the Safe Side This Season Water, water, water your live tree Check your lights, check them twice Plan your fire escape Sleep safe by installing carbon monoxide alarms Limit plug-in toys to the big kids Give wrapping paper a second life - don’t burn it Know your lights and cords - check ratings on extension cords and lights Steer your tree clear – away from heat sources and exits Decorate with a safe eye: Cords should not be tacked up with metal nails or staples. Small decorations can be choking hazards so keep them out of the reach of toddlers. Look for UL Label

Safe Decorations When putting up decorations, make sure ladder is put on a solid secure base Turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights could short and start a fire. Extinguish candles when you leave a room. Never leave infants or toddlers alone in a room with a lighted tree or candles. Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant."

Space Heater Safety Space Heaters Plug portable space heaters directly into an outlet; do not plug into extension cords, relocatable power taps, UPSs, or surge suppressors. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from combustible materials. Don’t use space heaters in rooms where children are unsupervised. Plug a space heater into a GFCI in any location near water. Check the cord before plugging in a heater; if frayed, worn or broken, do not use. Keep all heaters out of high traffic and exit areas.

Food Safety Bacteria are often present in raw foods. Thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits. Fully cook meats and poultry per recipe. Wash your hands frequently, and make sure children do the same. Keep raw foods and cooked foods separate, and use separate utensils when preparing them. Foods that require refrigeration should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Be sure to keep hot liquids and foods away from the edges of counters and tables, where they can be easily knocked over by a young child's exploring hands.

Watch Your Step & Use Handrails! Slip/trip hazards outdoors Wet sidewalks & steps Icy sidewalks & steps Slippery pine needles and leaves Extension cords Slip/trip hazards indoors Wet shoes Wet floors Toys, packaging