News Release: December 7, 2000
Contact: Janice Osborne, Manager-Media & Community Affairs
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
As we celebrate the holidays and the new year approaches, the American Red Cross reminds families to use common safety sense this season.
"Prevention and preparedness are key words to remember whether you're attending a holiday party or decorating your home," said Nina Johnson, Disaster Services manager at the Lehigh Valley American Red Cross. "Many fires and injuries can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions."
Here are some tips on how you and your family can stay safe this holiday:
Be Careful with Holiday Candles - Keep candles away from decorations or other combustible materials. Don't leave children unattended in a room with lit candles. Keep candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Avoid using candles during parties. Never display lighted candles in windows or near exits.
Test Tree Trimmings - When decorating with lights, purchase only those labeled by a testing laboratory. If decorating an outside tree, use only those lights labeled for outdoor use. Don't overload electrical outlets, and always unplug all lights before leaving home or going to bed. Never put electrical lights on a metal Christmas tree.
Keep Christmas Trees Fresh - Choose a fresh Christmas tree and secure it in a sturdy stand. Place the tree away from heat sources and exits, and water it daily. If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire retardant.
Prepare for Holiday Parties - Decorate only with flame-retardant or noncombustible materials. If guests will be smoking, provide them with large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. After the party, check inside and under upholstery and in trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.
Cook with Care - When cooking, do not wear loose-fitting clothing. Hot burners can ignite it. Always turn pot handles in. Don't store items on the stovetop. Keep kitchen appliances clean and
in good condition and always turn them off after use. Don't overload electrical outlets and don't use appliances with frayed or cracked wires.
Designate a Driver - When attending a party, designate a non-drinking driver. If you are hosting a holiday gathering, be sure there are non-alcoholic beverages for guests who are driving.
Buckle Up - During the holiday months, people travel more than ever. Wearing a seat belt may prevent injury in a motor vehicle collision. Ensure that all passengers are wearing safety belts. Seat children in the back seat of the car and in approved safety seats if younger than six years old, or according to local law.
Inspect Fireplaces and Wood Stoves - Have your chimney connections and flues inspected by a professional and cleaned if necessary prior to the start of every heating season. Use a sturdy screen when burning fires. Burn only wood -- never burn paper or pine boughs, which can float out of the chimney and ignite a neighboring home. Never use flammable liquids in a fireplace. If purchasing a factory-built fireplace, select one listed by a testing laboratory, and have it installed according to local codes. If you plan to hang stockings on your fireplace, do not use the fireplace for fires.
Get Your Furry Friends a Special Gift - Pet First Aid, developed by the Red Cross and the Humane Society of the United States, is an important guide to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to the emergency needs of their pets.
Enroll in a First Aid and CPR Course - Know what to do in case an emergency situation should arise. Be prepared to help.
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
The Lehigh Valley Red Cross serves more than 620,000 residents in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training and emergency relief services to nearly 15,500 Lehigh Valley residents.
For more information, visit www.redcrosslv.org or call the Lehigh Valley American Red Cross at (610) 865-4400.
