20082008 Holiday Holiday Safety TipsSafety Tips

by Francis Mowbray

Christmas StatisticsChristmas 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

Christmas Tree SafetyChristmas Tree SafetyIf 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 waterby Francis Mowbray

Christmas Tree SafetyChristmas 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

Christmas Tree SafetyChristmas 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

Christmas Tree SafetyChristmas 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

Christmas Tree SafetyChristmas 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

Christmas Tree SafetyChristmas 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

Christmas Tree SafetyChristmas 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

Christmas LightsChristmas 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

Christmas LightsChristmas 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

Christmas LightsChristmas Lights

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 LightsChristmas Lights

Always be sure when trimming trees outdoors, they are not touching any power lines.

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree, use colored spot lights

Never use lights that have an empty socket.

by Francis Mowbray

Christmas CandlesChristmas 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

Christmas Gift WrappingChristmas 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

Christmas Gift WrappingChristmas Gift Wrapping

Do not burn wrappings in the fireplace. They may ignite suddenly and cause a flash fire.

by Francis Mowbray

Christmas Holiday PlantsChristmas 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

Christmas Holiday PlantsChristmas 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

Home SafetyHome 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

Home SafetyHome 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

Home SafetyHome 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

Home SafetyHome 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

Home SafetyHome 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

Watch your step !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

Winter DrivingWinter 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

Two very important Two very important Holiday Reminders……. 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.

by Francis Mowbray

Best Wishes for aMerry Christmas

andA Safe and

Happy New Year !

FromFrom::

Savage VFCSavage VFC

by Francis Mowbray