1. 2008 Holiday Safety Tips
by Francis Mowbray

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

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