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 - dont 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.
• Dont 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