2008 Holiday Safety Tips by Francis Mowbray

Christmas Statistics u 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, u The tree should not lose needles when tapped on the ground. u Cut 1” off the trunk to help the tree absorb water u The tree stand should hold at least 1 gal. of water by Francis Mowbray

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Home Safety u Do not allow smoking in your house. The clean air will help to ensure your families health and safety. u 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 u 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. u Install a minimum of one carbon monoxide detector in your home. by Francis Mowbray

Home Safety u Have an operable fire extinguisher readily available, and know how to use it. u 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 u Keep kitchen clutter away from stove and oven u Avoid loose, flammable clothing. Clothing often catches fire around candles, matches, fireplaces and stoves by Francis Mowbray

Watch your step ! u 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 u Remember that slipping and sliding is not just something you do when walking. If you drive, use extreme caution. u Slow down u Watch for hazards by Francis Mowbray

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

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