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Each holiday season, we are reminded of the importantance of considering household safety issues to keep the season a joyous one. To keep the holiday season a happy season we need to practice safety awareness. The simple fact is this time of year brings an increased use of electricity, candles, fireplaces, extension cords, live trees indoors, and holiday lights both in and out doors, all of which can increase the risk of fire.

With the holidays approaching, excitement fills the air with the anticipation of lots of food, lots of new toys, and seeing the family members that you only see on special occasions. To ensure the holidays are truly a wondrous event here are some tips to keep you and your family safe:

- Test your smoke detectors

- Test your carbon monoxide detector—if you do not have one, get one- it is worth it

- Check to make sure your fire extinguisher is operable and easy to get to

- Do not leave burning candles unattended

- Dispose of fireplace ashes outside and in a metal container

- After guests have left, take all trashcans outside—in case sparks or a cigarette may have gotten in

- Use indoor extension cords indoors only

- Use only outdoor lights outside your home

- Connect no more than three strands of lights together

- When connecting outdoor light strings together, cover the connections with plastic or something to keep out moisture

- Read the warning labels on decorative lights and follow them

- Check to make sure that all light strings are in good condition

- Unplug light strings before replacing the bulbs

- Do not overload electrical outlets

- Use only UL-approved lights

Remember if you are entertaining guests that smoke, provide plenty of ashtrays, check for cigarettes left burning, and again remember to remove all waste-cans before going to bed.

If you have a live tree in your house for the holidays, here are some tips for you:

- Do not purchase a tree that already has the needles falling off

- Trim a couple of inches off the bottom of the tree just before you put it in water- this will help it absorb water

- Locate the tree away from fireplaces and heat sources

- Water the tree regularly

- Use low voltage bulbs or “twinkle” type bulbs- these types of bulbs generate less heat

- Never use candles, even on artificial trees

- If you use a metallic tree, do not use electric lights on it

- Turn off lights before going to bed

After the holiday season, when it is time to dispose of the tree, you can call your local sanitation office to see what provisions they provide for disposal, but for safety’s sake never burn it in your fireplace.

If you have that hard-to-shop-for person on your gift list, or just want to give someone you love that gift of safety, here are some gift ideas:

- Smoke detectors

- A fire extinguisher

- A carbon monoxide detector

- Flashlight and batteries

- A first aid kit

We all are aware of the danger of fire and smoke and most of us have smoke detectors, and most of us check the batteries. But what about “The silent killer” carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is generated through incomplete combustion of fuel such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene, coal, and charcoal, gasoline or wood. This incomplete combustion can occur in a variety of home appliances. The major cause of high levels of carbon monoxide in the home is faulty ventilation of funaces, hot water heaters, fireplaces, cooking stoves, grills and kerosene heaters.

Faulty or improper ventilation of natural gas and fuel oil furnaces during the cold winter months accounts for most carbon monoxide poisoning cases. Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are affordable and easy to install, and in my opinion a must for every home.

Youth groups often sell these items to raise money during the holiday season, so they are easy to find.

Remember the first step to keep your family safe begins with keeping your house safe!!!!

“The very best of holiday wishes to you and yours from all of us”