MEDICAL SURFARI: ELEMENTS OF DANGER DURING HOLIDAYS

Mirth and merriment abound as we approach the holiday season. These festivities will include gatherings for celebration, and this often involves many people, food, drink, fancy clothing, candles, lighted decorations and warm crackling fire in the fireplace. There will be many wide-eyed children, bubbling with excitement as they anticipate the wondrous events and 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, and 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 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, and do not leave candles burning unattended or within the reach of children, and insure that candles are 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 due to 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.

World Wide Web Resources

National Safety Council "Where's yours? Fire extinguisher awareness program.

http://www.firedistrict10.org/holiday.htm

This site provides helpful tips on keeping your home safe from fire during the holiday season.

King County Fire District #10

http://safety.webfirst.com/fire/firesafe.htm

This site also provides helpful tips in preventing fire in your home.

Dr. Scott Gibbs is a Cape Girardeau neurosurgeon and editor-in-chief of Mosby's Medical Surfari. You may e-mail questions to him at drgibbs@semissourian.com or write in care of the Southeast Missourian, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.