Holiday Safety Tips

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa or a personal holiday, the season is upon us for decorating our homes inside and outside. Here at SAFE we want to wish you all very Happy Holidays!

But, we also want you to remain alert and diligent with your safety and the safety of your family. Here are more ways to reduce your chances of being victimized during the holiday season. We would like you to be especially careful with your Christmas trees. This is how fast an accident can happen. Click Here To View The Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQT8yOYJKxQ

Safety at Home

Home Invasions increase during holidays at an alarming rate. To decrease your chances of being victimized follow these simple procedures.

* Keep the outside of your home well lit with all doors and windows locked and curtains or blinds closed.

* Do not put presents under the tree where burglars can see them.

* When away, not only have outside lights but inside lights on timers.

* When traveling make your home look occupied. Have a friend pick up newspapers and mail. Have someone mow your yard or shovel snow. And be sure someone is clearing any fliers or ads off your porch, doors and cars.

* After the holidays, don't advertise the gifts you received by leaving the boxes at the curb for garbage collection. Thieves will be on the look out for the homes that got the best presents, like that new flat screen TV, computer or game system. Cut or tear boxes up and put them in garbage bags.

Home Safety-Decorations

* Inspect all decorations before putting them out.

* Ensure all decorations are fire retardant or fire resistant.

* Use only lighting sets which bear the UL marker.

* Ensure items such as tinsel and fragile glass bulbs are placed high enough on a tree or mantle to prevent small children and pets from coming into contact with them. * Avoid overloading wall outlets and extension cords.

* Inspect light strings and cords for fraying, bare wire, loose connections and broken sockets.

* When using candles, place them a safe distance from combustibles.

* Place candles in sturdy containers. Remember hot wax can burn kids and pets.

* Extinguish candles before leaving the house or going to bed.

* Always have an operable fire extinguisher readily available.

* Install at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home.

Home Safety-Outdoor Decorations

* Never use indoor extension cords outside.

* Keep electrical connectors above ground and out of puddles and snow.

* Unplug a light string before replacing a bulb.

* Make sure when hanging lights in trees, the tree is not touching power lines.

Home Safety for Pets

* Pets are fascinated by decorations such as hanging strings, cords, sashes, tree decorations and flashing lights. To be safe, always supervise a pet closely during the holiday season.

* Guests can frighten and/or anger a pet. It is always best to remove pets from noisy gatherings, especially those pets not used to large groups or children.

Safety with Artificial Christmas Trees

* When selecting an artificial tree, select a model that is fire retardant/fire resistant.

* If the tree has a built-in electrical system, it should carry the UL (underwriter's laboratories) marker.

* Check the tree frequently, do not let it get overheated and never leave it on overnight or when you are not home.

* Never use electric lights on a metallic tree, use colored spotlights instead.

Safety with Real Christmas Trees

* When selecting a tree, get one with a deep green color and a strong scent of pine.

* Make sure the needles are attached firmly to the twigs and can be bent without breaking. This ensures a recently cut tree, fresh and not dried. If the needles fall off easily, the tree is already dead.

* Cut about 2 inches off the trunk and mount it in a sturdy, water-holding stand.

*Keep the tree supplied with an adequate amount of water to keep it from drying out.

* Never set the tree close to heat sources such as registers, computers, radiators or fireplaces.

We wish you a Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas and a Happy Kwanzaa! May your holidays be filled with joy! And remember, "Just be safe!"