Christmas, Chanukkah, Kwanzaa Safety Tips

A Christmas tree can be a sight to behold.

When considering a natural tree buy only a fresh tree, one on which the needles don’t fall off easily; keep the tree outdoors until ready to display; always keep the water receptacle filled, cut 1-inch from the bottom of the tree to allow for water absorption, properly dispose of the tree as soon as needles begin to fall off easily, and in no case keep the tree for more than two weeks.

If you find an artificial tree more suitable to your situation make sure it is fire retardant and has “UL” or “FM” labels; use only miniature “UL” or “FM” labeled lights, don’t use electric lights on metallic trees; use a remote spotlight for reflective lighting.

•Always keep a tree away from heat; radiators, stoves, heaters, fireplaces or any open flame.

•Use only UL or FM labeled tree lights.

•Examine tree lights for frayed wires or damaged plugs.

•Dispose of used wrappings and boxes immediately.

•Turn off tree lights before leaving the room or retiring for the night.

•Don’t block exits; doors, stairs, hallways or fire escapes.

•Don’t smoke, light candles or incendiaries near a Christmas tree.

•Don’t use lighted candles on a tree or for decorations.

•Don’t run extension cords under rugs.

•Don’t overload electrical outlets or plugs.

Shopping can get you in the mood for the holidays, but here are a few things to pay attention to so that it’s fun:

•Don’t carry large sums of money, take only what you need.

•Don’t carry credit cards that you won’t need.

•Don’t hang your purse from your shoulder.

•Don’t place your purse on any floor, keep it on your lap or in front of you.

•Don’t carry your wallet in your rear pants pocket.

•Don’t place packages in open view in your car, put them in the trunk.

•Don’t give out information to unknown persons, especially credit card numbers.

•Don’t fight if your purse is snatched, nothing is worth getting hurt over.

•Do park your car in a well-lit area.

•Do shop and travel with someone if possible.

•Keep your car doors locked and windows closed when in it.

•Look into your car before entering it.

•Be wary of people offering to share a ride, or money.

•Lock your windows and doors when you leave your house.

•If approached by an armed robber give them what they want, try to remember as much as you can about them.

Remember these safety issues and guarantee this season will be festive not foolhardy.