Happy Holidays

Marty White

December 14, 2009

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.

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

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."

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.

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.

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