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Holiday Safety Tips
By: Safe Kids USA
Christmas time is a time for celebration and spending time with the
family. However, 2,600 people every year have been injured by fires
in the United States and cause more than $930 million in damage.
When you decorate your home with Christmas Trees, Wreathes, Electric
Lights and candles, there are important steps to remember to ensure
a safe and happy holidays.
Holiday Christmas Trees:
If you are going to use a live Christmas tree in your home,
there are several things to note:
- When you select your tree, the needles should be fresh, green and
hard to pull off a branch. If needles fall off easily, the tree is
drying out and can pose a fire hazard.
- Locate the tree in your home very carefully. Do not put the tree
near any source of heat, such as a fireplace or vent. This can cause
the tree to dry more quickly and pose a fire hazard.
- Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
- Use a large sturdy tree stand, so children can't pull the tree down.
- Cut the branches on the bottom of the tree, so they don't poke
children in the eye.
- It's important to check electric lights for frayed wires, broken or
cracked sockets, and excessive wear before use.
- Use only lighting listen by an approved testing laboratory.
- Do not leave electric lights unattended.
- Do not overload electrical outlets.
Gift and Home Decorations
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All decorations should be nonflammable or
flame-retardant. They should not be placed near heating vents or
fireplaces.
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Do not put wrapping paper in the fireplace, as
chemicals can build up in the home and cause an explosion.
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Artificial Christmas trees should be flame retardant
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Broken ornaments can be a risk for children. Make
sure you keep sharp or breakable glass ornaments out of their reach.
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Be sure to keep ribbon away from small children. Any
piece seven inches or longer could wrap around a child's neck and
accidentally strangle him or her.
Candles
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Do not leave candles unattended.
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Use stable candle holders that are out of reach of
children.
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Do not put lit candles on a tree.
Fire Prevention Tips
Visit the Web site of the U.S. Fire Administration for
additional fire prevention tips. (www.usfa.fema.gov).
Safety Information
Visit the Web site of Safe Kids USA (www.usa.safekids.org)
for more information about accidental injury prevention in children
0-14, safety tips, fact sheets and more.
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