1. Happy Holidays
Marty White
December 14, 2009

2. Fire Facts and Figures
During , 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 , 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

3. 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

4. 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."

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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