Happy Holidays

1. Happy Holidays Marty White December 14, 2009

2. 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.

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 • Extension cords • Toys, packaging