How To Prevent Deadly Fires During the Holidays
Posted: Monday, November 17, 2008
by Connie Raines
Connies Herbalife Biz
Every holiday season I am deeply saddened by the news reports of residential fires. According to statistics from the United States Fire Administration(USFA):
* From December 24 through the 26th, fire deaths, injuries, and dollar loss increase an average of 50%, 61%, and 43%, respectively.
* As Christmas trees, which are in one- third of all households, dry out, the risk of fire increases.
A Christmas tree can become fully engulfed in flames that can rapidly fill a room with smoke and deadly gases.If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.Here are ten simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following these precautionary tips, you can greatly reduce your family's chances of becoming a holiday casualty.
1. Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fire place or heat vent.
2. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks.
3. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times, as dry trees burn quickly.
4. Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut.
5. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.
6. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
7. Decorate your Christmas trees with consumer- inspected lights and double check for frayed wires. Do not overload the power capacity and wattage limits of your house.
8. If you use candles, place them in a safe place away from any flammable materials.
9. Make sure your children are aware of the dangers of burning candles, oil and potpourri warmers, the fireplace and spaceheaters.
10. Do not burn gift wrapping in the fireplace, as this can cause a chimney fire.
BE SAFE AND HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
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