Louisiana Tech University Department of Environmental Safety Quarterly Safety Meeting
Topic 4
(318) 257-2120
CHRISTMAS TREES
Christmas trees are one of the most popular traditions of the season - and one of the most dangerous. Whether you choose a living tree or an artificial one, safety should be your top consideration.
Freshness is the key to selecting a living tree. A fresh tree is moist and not as flammable as a dry tree. The best way to get a fresh tree is to cut it yourself. But even if you are looking at pre-cut trees, you can use these tests to help you judge a tree’s freshness:
Lift the tree and tap the trunk on the ground. Only a few needles should fall and the trunk should be sticky with sap.
Grab a branch near the base and pull on it slowly to check for loose needles.
Bend a few needles in half between your fingers. If the needles bend but don’t break, the tree is probably fresh.
Once you get your tree home, take these precautions to keep it fresh:
Keep the tree outdoors and cover the trunk in snow or immerse it in a bucket of water until you’re ready to decorate.
When you’re ready to put your tree up, cut a one-or two-inch diagonal slice off the bottom of the trunk. The new cut helps the tree absorb water which preserves its freshness.
Put the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand with wide-spread legs.
Keep the stand filled with water the entire time the tree is indoors.
Keep your tree away from heat sources such as heat ducts and fireplaces.
When the holidays are over, you should take your tree outside as soon as possible. Never burn it. Instead, recycle or discard your tree according to your city or county regulations. If you are considering using an artificial tree this year, be aware that even flame-resistant artificial trees can catch fire - especially if they have years of dust buildup on them. Wash your artificial tree each year and store the parts in plastic bags.
Important: To keep your tree from being knocked over, set it up where it is out of the way of people traffic and where it does not block entrances or exits.
LIGHTS
Mixing and matching lights can create a fire hazard, so keep outside lights outside and inside lights inside. Examine your lights before you hang them. Check to see that each strand has a factory label, which means it has been safety tested. Check the light bulbs, sockets, wires and plugs to make sure nothing is cracked, broken or exposed. Replace any missing bulbs, being careful to never bypass a fuse. After replacing any missing or broken parts, check each set by setting it on a nonflammable surface and plugging it in for 10-15 minutes to see that the lights don’t melt or smoke.
Now that you have examined your lights, you’re ready to hang them. Be sure to take the following precautions:
Position the bulbs so they are not in direct contact with needles or ornaments. Also keep lights away from curtains or flammable materials.
If you string lights together using built-in connectors, don’t join more than 200 midget lights or 50 larger lamps through one string or cord.
Don’t connect more than three sets of lights to an extension cord.
Keep cords and plugs away from the water under the tree.
Be careful where you place electrical cords:
Keep cords out of high-traffic areas where people can trip over them.
Don’t run a cord under a rug or carpet, since wires could overheat and surrounding material could catch on fire.
Be cautious when placing cords behind furniture - if pinched, cords may fray.
Remember: Unplug all decorations inside and outside your home before leaving the house or going to bed.
DECORATIONS
Decorations can add to the enjoyment and beauty of the holidays - and to the hazards. Consider how safe your decorations are and remove items that could cause potential risks to your family, especially small children and pets. Ask yourself these questions as you decorate a tree or place items around your home:
Are fragile glass ornaments - or ornaments which children could mistake as food or candy - out of reach?
Are you using older ornaments made with toxic materials such as lead-based paints?
Is tinsel hung on low branches of your tree, presenting a swallowing or choking hazard to children or pets?
Consider leaving these types of decorations off your tree. At the very least, hang them on higher branches.
Even if there are not children or pets in your home, avoid using metal ornaments and garlands made of metallic or synthetic compounds. They are electric shock hazards. Wear gloves if you are working with decorative materials such as spun glass or angel hair since they can irritate your skin.
FIREPLACES
The holidays bring to mind images of relaxing in front of a cozy fire. But before you get too comfortable, review these safety rules for using fireplaces:
Don’t use your fireplace to burn wrapping materials - which can create toxic fumes and even a flash fire.
Use kindling and wooden matches to light fires - not flammable liquids.
Always use a fire screen.
Don’t wear loose or flowing clothes when tending fires.
Keep flammable decorations away from the fireplace.
Don’t close the chimney flue until you’re sure the fire is completely out.
Make sure the fire is out before leaving the house or going to bed.
Important: Dispose of ashes in a metal container. Never store them in or near your house.
Other Fire Hazards
Place candles in holders that will not tip.
If you put a Hanukkah Menorah in the window, make sure it is clear of curtains and draperies.
If you celebrate Kwanzaa and light the candles of the Kinara, be sure to keep clothes and other flammables away from the flame.
Extinguish all candles before leaving your home or going to sleep.
Never place lit candles on your tree.
Remember: Keep matches out of children’s reach. Warn children about the dangers of matches, candles and other flames.
SMOKE DETECTORS & FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
If you don’t have these essential lifesaving devices, put them at the top of your shopping list. Smoke detectors should be installed on each floor of your home and outside each bedroom. Avoid placing smoke detectors in the kitchen, where false alarms are common. Test your smoke detectors at least once a month, and replace there batteries once a year. Also, buy a fire extinguisher for your home and make a habit of inspecting it on a regular basis. Make sure every member of your household knows what the smoke detector alarm sounds like and what to do if there is a fire.
SMOKING
Use an ashtray that’s large, deep and will not tip over.
Empty ashtrays often. Wet ashtray contents before dumping them.
After a party, check all surface areas for smoldering cigarette butts - even behind pillows and cushions.
HOLIDAY TRAVELING
You may be one of the many people who drive some distance to see family or friends during the holidays. When you travel, follow these safe-driving tips:
Pre-plan your trip, including scheduled rest stops and quiet activities that small children can do in the car.
Leave your itinerary with a trusted neighbor or friend so that someone knows where you are.
Don’t overload your car or obstruct your view with suitcases and packages. Consider mailing packages to your destination ahead of time.
Avoid eating a heavy meal before leaving for a trip. An empty stomach will help keep you from feeling tired or sleepy while driving.
Get a good night’s sleep before starting on the road.
Follow other vehicles - especially trucks - at a safe distance.
Winter Weather Traveling
If traveling in winter weather, be sure to carry a winter-survival kit in your car that contains first-aid supplies, blankets, a compass, a flashlight with extra batteries, flares, a shovel and quick-energy foods such as dried fruits and nuts. Also take a bag of salt, sand or cat litter to use for traction in case your car gets stuck in ice or snow. If you are driving in rain, ice or snow, be sure to increase your following distance.
Remember: Always buckle your seat belts and use all child-safety restraints.
SAFE SHOPPING
When doing your holiday shopping, take these extra security precautions to protect yourself at malls and shopping centers:
Avoid carrying large, heavy packages that block your vision and make you a target for purse snatchers.
Consider having your purchases sent to your home, or ask a clerk to watch your packages while you get your vehicle. Many stores now offer escort services to your vehicle - particularly at night.
Shop during daylight hours whenever possible.
Always park in well -lit areas whenever possible.
Put the flap of your shoulder bag against your body and hold your arm around it, or wear your purse under your coat.
Carry your wallet in your front pocket.
Watch out for strangers "accidentally" bumping you. This is how pickpockets distract their victims.
Have your keys in your hand before you go to your car.
HOLIDAY STRESS
The holidays can be exciting and fun, but they can also be stressful. Here are some ways to minimize stress during the holidays:
Don’t blow your budget. Decide how much you can afford to spend and stick to that amount.
Budget your time as well as your money. Don’t overcommit your free time.
Start planning your gift list early in the fall.
Don’t try to do everything yourself. Share responsibilities with your family.
Add a bit of the true spirit of the season by giving a gift to someone who doesn’t expect it, visiting an old friend or giving to someone in need.
Make some fun plans for January, when the post-holiday blues can set in.
If the stress gets to be too much, seek the help of a professional.
SUMMARY
While it’s true that the holidays can present extra hazards and stress, you can minimize the dangers and maximize the joys of the season by checking off the items on your holiday safety list.
Fresh Tree
Lights and Decorations
Fire in the Fireplace
Travel
Shopping
Stress Relievers