Thursday, 29 November 2007 09:33
Prevent Holiday Fires
Christmas
trees are beautiful, but they
can also be very dangerous. Two hundred times a year, a dried-out Christmas
tree catches fire. Last year, those fires caused 10 deaths and $10
million in property damage. During November and December each year, about
10,000 people are taken to hospital emergency rooms as a result of falls, cuts,
shocks and burns caused by decorations at home. The best way to prevent fires
is by picking the freshest tree and watering it correctly. Julie Vallese, a
spokesperson for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, who appeared on CBS’s
“The Early Show,” says, "You don't want your Christmas tree to dry out.
And
while a Christmas tree in front of a fireplace may seem picture perfect, it's
really not the place to put your tree.” When picking a tree, test it for freshness by grabbing the
branches and making sure the needles don't fall out. Also, tap it on the
ground and make sure that needles don't rain down. As soon as you get home,
water your tree and check the water level daily. You also want to pay attention
to the lights you put on
your tree. Make sure the cords aren't frayed. And if they are, go buy yourself
some new lights. You just don't want to take that chance at all"
says Vallese. Use only lights that have been tested for safety by a nationally-recognized
testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratory. Other beautiful, but
lethal decorations can be candles. "One hundred and seventy people die
each year because of candle fires. There's about 14,000 of those fires,"
said Vallese. "So, if you are lighting a candle, make sure that its up high out of the reach of
children and the family pets. And each and every time you leave the room when
it's unattended, you need to blow it out because you just don't know
what's going to happen with one of those." and picture contributed by CBS
"The Early Show" Demonstration by Consumer Product Safety Commission.
