Safety

Safety

Checklist f

Offered

Deadly fires increase dramatically during the holiday season^ bringing disaster instead of joy tq many Virginians. The real tragedy is that most of these fires can be prevented. The Virginia Department of Emergency Services offers the fol-; lowing checklist to help you and your1 family enjoy a happy and safe holu day season.

Christmas Trees:

• A live tree should be bought as fresh as possible. Hold the tree, upright and thump the base on theground a few times; if the needles fall off, the tree has begun to dry. ~

• Before you mount your tree in a stand, cut an inch or two off the bottom so it will absorb water more easily.

• Always keep the base of the tree in water and check it daily. •'*

• Place your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, and other sources of heat.

• Dispose of your tree soon aftei* the holidays, before it drys out.-; Don’t burn you tree indoors in a fireplace or wood stove.

• If you buy an artificial tree, be sure it is flame-resistant. Remember, these trees only resist fire; ultimately they will burn. .

Decorative Lights:

• Plug your electrical decorations into Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) to help prevent electrocution. A child died in Virginia last year when she placed a decorative light into her mouth and was electrocuted. A GFCI unit can prevent such accidents. These units can be; purchased at most hardware stores. •

• Don’t overload your outlets and circuits. Don’t place cords under rugs or furniture.

• If you use the same lights year, after year, check them carefully and -repair or replace those with worn or . frayed cords.

• Never put lights on a metallic; tree. Use a spotlight instead. '

• If decorations are used in windows, place them away from cur-: tains or other flammable material, *

• Unplug all lights when you” leave or go to bed.

Candles: ’;

• Candles , should be carefully* placed and never left unattended. r

• Never use candles near ever*! green trees, or other flammable objects such as curtains, wrapping paper, etc.