U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Advises General Rules for Holiday Safety
Trees, snow, lights, candles, trimmings, fires and paper are all signs of the season. They are also potential hazards. With safety in mind, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has posted on its website a pamphlet with highly useful information about enjoying these seasonal activities. The pamphlet includes some General Rules for Holiday Safety, as follows: Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of the reach of children. Avoid smoking near flammable decorations. Make an emergency plan to use if a fire breaks out anywhere in the home. See that each family member knows what to do. PRACTICE THE PLAN! Avoid wearing loose flowing clothesparticularly long, open sleevesnear open flames - such as those of a fireplace, stove, or candlelit table. Never burn candles near evergreens. Burning evergreens in the fireplace can also be hazardous. When dry, greens burn like tinder. Flames can flare out of control, and send sparks flying into a room, or up the chimney to ignite creosote deposits. Plan for safety. Remember, there is no substitute for common sense. Look for and eliminate potential danger spots near candles, fireplaces, trees, and/or electrical connections. The pamphlet contains many specific safety suggestions for trees, snow, lights, candles, trimmings, fires and paper. At Levine & Slavit, we wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season!
