I was looking at some of these images, http://www.digsdigs.com/76-inspiring-scandinavian-christmas-decorating-ideas/ following a link from one of Dan99's posts on UK Scrappers today and realise Christmas is just around the corner! I just wanted to do my bit to remind everybody about staying safe during the holidays - so here is just one small plea for
everybody at Christmas - after my many years working in the fire service -
PLEASE PLEASE PLEEEEEASE - follow these simple rules to have the kind of Christmas
you'll want to remember for all the right reasons!
Place candles carefully and do not leave burning candles unattended. Make sure candles are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. Never leave a room or go to bed with candles burning.
Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches.
Better still - Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.
Check your tree lights - make sure the wires are ok Inspectlights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.A new set of tree lights are cheap change them, if you're not sure!
Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Do not link light strands, except in accordance with the directions, where they indicate it is safe to do so. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.
If you're lucky enough to have an open fire - use a spark guard
Selecting a Real Tree
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat sources, heating vents or lights. If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB6zJUkDsIs - These points are pretty much covered in this video
One final thing - We also used to get an increase in Road Traffic Collisions, particularly those involving people who were driving under the influence! Be aware, that the Police often run early morning breathalyser campaigns - during the party season - you can still be over the limit the next morning if you have had a lot to drink the night before!
Also, even if you dont drink and drive - others on the road might still be driving under the influence - so be extra careful when out - personally - if I can, I avoid driving at night during the festive period - its not always practical I know, but if you're not on the roads, you're much less likely to be involved in a drink related accident!
Wishing everybody a very early safe and Happy Christmas!
Place candles carefully and do not leave burning candles unattended. Make sure candles are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. Never leave a room or go to bed with candles burning.
Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches.
Better still - Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.
Check your tree lights - make sure the wires are ok Inspectlights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.A new set of tree lights are cheap change them, if you're not sure!
Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Do not link light strands, except in accordance with the directions, where they indicate it is safe to do so. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.
If you're lucky enough to have an open fire - use a spark guard
Selecting a Real Tree
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat sources, heating vents or lights. If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB6zJUkDsIs - These points are pretty much covered in this video
One final thing - We also used to get an increase in Road Traffic Collisions, particularly those involving people who were driving under the influence! Be aware, that the Police often run early morning breathalyser campaigns - during the party season - you can still be over the limit the next morning if you have had a lot to drink the night before!
Also, even if you dont drink and drive - others on the road might still be driving under the influence - so be extra careful when out - personally - if I can, I avoid driving at night during the festive period - its not always practical I know, but if you're not on the roads, you're much less likely to be involved in a drink related accident!
Wishing everybody a very early safe and Happy Christmas!
__________________
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