CHRISTMAS SAFETY MAKES A HOLIDAY TO REMEMBER

Mirth and merriment abound as we approach the holiday season. These festivities will include gatherings for celebration, which often involve many people, food, drink, fancy clothing, candles, lighted decorations and a warm crackling fire in the fireplace. There will be many wide-eyed children bubbling with excitement as they anticipate the wondrous events and the surprises that await them. Just the thought of it brings heart-warming feelings and pleasant memories of past holiday seasons. Although this is a time of much joy and celebration, there is also an inconspicuous element of danger that may be overlooked when planning or preparing for these festivities.

A fire can engulf a house or building in a matter of minutes, but most fires can be prevented. Make your holiday season remembered for its joyfulness, not for its tragedy.

Buy a fresh Christmas tree. If the needles are already falling off, the tree is too dry and should not be selected. Leave your tree outside until it is time to decorate it and be sure that the tree is securely fastened in a sturdy holder with water. It is always a good idea to trim at least one inch of wood from the bottom of the tree to improve the tree's ability to absorb water. Water the tree regularly while indoors and do not place the tree near a wood stove or heater. Be careful not to block doorways or exit paths and use low wattage "twinkle type" lights, as these generate less heat with prolonged use. Be certain that all light strings are in good condition and operating properly. Never use candles or any open flame device on Christmas trees and do not overload your electrical circuits by plugging too many cords into a single outlet. Christmas lights should always be turned off when no one is at home or when turning in for the night. Spraying the Christmas tree with a flame retardant is always a good idea. Safely dispose of your tree before it becomes dangerously dry and never burn your tree in your fireplace.

Decorate with flame retardant or noncombustible materials, do not leave candles burning unattended or within the reach of children and insure that candles are located well away from combustible materials. Discard gift wrap and boxes with the garbage or recycle. Do not burn them in the fireplace or wood stove. Clean your oven and stove prior to the holidays. Often the extra load on these appliances causes a fire because of the high use and extra grease buildup. If you entertain guests in your home who smoke provide large ashtrays and after your gathering be certain to check upholstered furniture for cigarettes, as these are still the leading cause of fire fatalities in the home. Finally, be sure to test your smoke detectors and be certain that you have a charged fire extinguisher and that everyone in the home knows where it is.

If you have any questions or concerns about holiday fire safety or any other fire safety matters, contact your local fire department or fire prevention bureau. From my family to your family best, warm regards and wishes for a happy and safe holiday season.

Web Resources

www.nsc.org/library/facts.htm

The National Safety council provides fact sheets on a variety of topics, including Christmas tree safety and home fire prevention.

Dr. Scott Gibbs is a Cape Girardeau neurosurgeon and editor-in-chief of Mosby's Medical Surfari. E-mail questions to drgibbs@semissourian.com or write in care of the Southeast Missourian, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0699.