Hi dear Parent,

Each year we hear one or more tragic news stories about individuals and whole families being burned to death in fires started by Christmas trees or decorations. In almost all cases, the deaths or destroyed homes could have been averted had everyone heeded the call for Safety. Here then is my list for you. I hope it is helpful to you. And I sincerely hope you will use it.

Better Safe, than Sorry! You would never forgive yourself if something happened to your family because you weren't careful. Don't put that burden on your shoulders. Instead, be Safe! :)

Love, Joan

Holiday Safety Tips

Home Safety

• Examine light strands each year and discard worn ones.
• Avoid overloading wall outlets and extension cords.
• Use only outside lights on the outside of your home.
• Never use indoor extension cords outside.
• Keep outdoor electrical connectors above ground and out of snow and puddles.
• Place candles in sturdy containers; hot wax burns.
• Extinguish candles before leaving an empty room, or or your home, or before going to sleep.
• Have an operable fire extinguisher readily available.
• Dispose of fireplace ashes and ashtry contents into a metal container outside the house and garage.

Holiday Tree Safety:

• Consider an artificial tree; they are much cleaner and safer.
  
• A real tree should be fresh; no needles fall when tapped on ground.
  
• Tree stand should hold at least one gallon of water.
  
• Water level in tree stand should be checked every day to fill.
  
• Keep tree away from floor heaters and fireplaces.
  
• Use only UL Approved lights.
  
• No more than three strands of lights should be linked together.
  
• Use only miniature lights because they have cool bulbs.
  
• Turn off tree lights before leaving home or going to sleep.
  
• Never use candles on the tree.
  
• Never discard tree by burning it in the fireplace.
  
  
  

Holiday Gift Ideas:

• Decorate a basket that contains a carbon monoxide detector, flashlight and batteries, first aid kit, second-floor escape ladder, mobile phone, fire extinguisher or three smoke detectors.
• Create an Emergency Kit: energy bars, bottled water, battery radio, flashlight or light stick and a first aid kit. Pack everything into a small travel bag and tie on your bow. You won't even have to wrap it!

Have a Safe & Merry Christmas,
Everyone!