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Winter and Holiday Safety Tips
When winter and the holidays approach, it's a good idea to remember these safety
tips to help keep the season worry-free and enjoyable.
Fire Prevention Tips
The United States Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Agency
recommend the following safety tips this holiday season:
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Have your furnace and chimney professionally inspected and cleaned. Chimney tar
build-up can ignite your chimney, roof and the whole house.
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Space heaters need space. Keep combustibles at least three feet away from each
other.
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Use caution with holiday decorations and whenever possible, choose those made
with flame-resistant, flame retardant or non-combustible materials.
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Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials and do not
use candles to decorate Christmas trees.
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Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the
insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before
putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
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Do not overload electrical outlets. Do not link more than three light strands,
unless directions indicate that it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an
extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.
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Do not leave holiday lights unattended.
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Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace. Wrapping paper can throw off dangerous
sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home that could cause an
explosion.
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Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two
weeks. Make certain tree stands are filled with water at all times and do not
smoke near an indoor tree.
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Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat
vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by
heat, flame or sparks.
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If you are using an artificial tree make sure that it is flame retardant.
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Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. When cooking
for holiday visitors, remember to keep an eye on the range.
The National Fire Protection Association also recommends that you:
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Install a smoke alarm near bedrooms and on each floor of your home. Test it
monthly. If it has a 9-volt battery, change the battery once a year.
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Install a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm near bedrooms and on each floor of your
home. The alarm must meet the requirements of the current UL standard 2034 or
IAS 6-96. If your alarm sounds, leave the house immediately and dial 911 or
your local fire department. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas
that interferes with oxygen availability throughout the body. Exposed
individuals and physicians may not recognize some symptoms as CO poisoning, due
to their similarity with viral illnesses such as influenza. Individuals with
heart disease, chronic respiratory ailments such as emphysema and anemia have
increased susceptibility to CO poisoning. Low levels of CO can cause fatigue
and chest pain in people with chronic heart disease. As CO exposures increase,
symptoms progressively worsen through headaches, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting,
confusion and disorientation. At very high CO exposures, loss of consciousness
and death are possible.
Stay Warm This Winter
When outdoors, remember to dress warmly. Wear loose-fitting, layered,
lightweight clothing. Layers can be removed to prevent perspiration and chill.
Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellant. Mittens are warmer
than gloves because fingers generate warmth when they touch each other.
Remember to protect your lungs from extreme cold air by covering your mouth
when outdoors.
Don't Overdo
If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your
body. Also take frequent breaks. Cold weather puts an added strain on the
heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow can bring on a heart attack
or make medical conditions worse.
In Case of Disaster or Emergency
Always keep disaster supplies on hand, in case of power outages and other
emergencies. Things you should keep around the house include:
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Flashlight and extra batteries
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Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
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First aid kit
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One-week supply of essential prescription medication
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Extra blankets and sleeping bags
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Fire extinguisher (A-B-C) type
Remember in the case of an emergency always call 911 or contact your local
police station or fire department.
Sources:
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