Emergency Preparedness Committee: Happy & Safe Holiday Wishes

HAPPY (and SAFE) HOLIDAY WISHES
We hope you enjoyed a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving this last month and have stored up enough energy to get you through Christmas and New Years celebrations. But our wishes also include tips on how to be PREPARED and plan for a SAFE holiday season.
By taking some basic precautions, you can ensure your whole family remains safe and injury-free throughout the days to come.
Holidays and candles go together like children and toys… BUT, pay attention to these cautions. NEVER leave burning candles unattended; blow them our when you leave a room.
■ Keep candles out of reach of children (and pets).
■ NEVER sleep in a room with a lit candle and extinguish all candles before going to bed.
■ Make sure candles are on stable surfaces, where they can’t easily be knocked over.
■ DON’T burn candles near trees, curtains, wrapping paper or other flammable items.
■ DON’T burn trees, wreaths, or wrapping paper in the fireplace. AND…when displaying a tree, cut off about two inches of the trunk and put the tree in a sturdy, water holding stand. Keep the stand filled with water so the tree doesn’t dry out.
■ Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small detachable parts on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them.
■ If you use an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant. Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label.
■ Only use indoor lights indoors (and outdoor lights only outdoors). Look for the UL label. Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections. Replace or repair any damaged light sets.
■ Use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Extension cords should be placed against the wall to avoid tripping hazards, but do not run cords under rugs, around furniture legs or across doorways.
AND…how about ladder safety….Don’t stand on chairs, desks or other furniture. DON’T lean too far or overreach.
Use ladders with slip-resistant feet and wear slipresistant shoes.
■ DO NOT step on that last wrung of the ladder to put the angel on the top of the tree. Also, ask one of your Elves to hold the ladder for you. AND…Drive safely, don’t stress at the malls, always keep a hand hold on the little ones, be vigilant, slooow down… it’s not worth the rush, don’t wait until the last minute to get everything done….
BUT, ENJOY, GIVE THANKS, REMEMBER why we celebrate Christmas and New Years, family loved ones, friends, smile and laugh. AND be SAFE & PREPARED.
—Kent Wellbrock