Make Your Holidays Happy & Safe! 
SAFETY TIPS FROM PHOENIX FIRE and POLICE DEPARTMENTS
Feelings go crazy during the holidays. It’s exciting and exasperating, it’s fun and it’s a hassle, and in spite of all that it’s still full of wonder. The real beauty lies in the fact that children get to feel all the joy and wonder--- minus the traffic, crowds and costs that drive their parents nuts. Yet, within the wonder lies hazard. Children are drawn to the glittering electric lights and to the glow of candles---both of which can potentially cause injury.
Every year, 1300 people are treated for injuries related to holiday lights, and 6200 people for injuries related to holiday decorations and Christmas trees. If the national statistics hold true this year, there will be at least 400 fires involving Christmas trees. As a result, ten people will die, 80 will be hurt and more than $15 million in property will be lost. By taking action before the holidays, you can help keep your family safe. Here’s what the Phoenix Fire Department recommends:
Check and/or replace the batteries in your smoke alarm. According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency), 85% of all fire deaths occur in the home, and the majority occur at night when most people are sleeping. Smoke alarms, when properly installed, can give you the early warning needed to safely escape from fire. Smoke alarm batteries need to be replaced once a year. Pick an easy date to remember---an anniversary or a birthday, for example---to remind you to change out the batteries. Test smoke alarms once a month by using the alarm’s ‘test’ button. Replace smoke alarms every ten years. They will not last forever.
Choose and maintain Christmas trees carefully. How do you pick a fresh tree? Choose one that’s green, with needles that are difficult to pull from the branches. When you bend a needle between your fingers, it should not break. When you get it home, cut about an inch from the bottom of the tree to help it absorb water. Mount the tree in a stand that’s designed not to tip, then water the tree constantly. A 6-foot tree will use 1 gallon of water every two days. A dried out tree can be totally consumed by fire in less than 30 seconds. To play it safe, some families may choose an artificial tree. Before you buy, check the label to make sure it’s ‘fire retardant’ or ‘fire resistant.’
Be careful with holiday lights. When you purchase new lights, choose brands that bear the mark of a testing laboratory. As you pull out old sets of lights, check them for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. If the lights are broken, throw them away. Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Don’t overload electrical outlets, and always unplug lights before you leave home or go to sleep. To eliminate risk of electrocution, never use electric lights on a metallic tree. . Make sure the lights you use outside are weatherproof and labeled “for outdoor use.”
Be smart about candles. Candles are among the leading causes of fires in the home. If you have children, keep the candles up high and out of their reach. Never leave a child alone in a room with a lit candle; don’t let teenagers keep candles in their bedrooms and don’t use candles to decorate the Christmas tree. Keep a flashlight close by for those times when the power goes out, rather than relying on candles for emergency light.
Be careful when you cook for the holidays. The NFPA says unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. When you’ve got guests in your home, remember to keep an eye on the range. Clean cooking equipment, to reduce the risk of a grease fire and keep potholders and rags away from cooking surfaces. Don’t use ovens or other cooking equipment to heat your home.
Safety tips for holiday shoppers. The Phoenix Police Department wants you and your family to be safe while you’re shopping during the holiday season, and they offer this advice: Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Your number one personal safety device is your brain. Listen to your “inner voice.” If possible, park in brightly-lit areas. Most shopping mall and grocery store parking lots are vast in size. Mentally note—even write down—where you have parked. If possible, avoid returning to your vehicle alone.
Watch for other shoppers who are leaving stores and walk out together. Some stores offer to have their security staff escort you to your vehicle. Always have your vehicle keys in hand before you leave the store. Put packages in your weak hand, keys in your strong hand. Carry purses in a manner that will not do you harm if someone should try to grab it from you. Your life is more important than the contents of your purse. Credit card information should be listed and kept in a safe place in your home or office. In the event cards are stolen, they can easily be cancelled using the information you have recorded.
Do not carry a large amount of cash; try to not “flash” bills in front of others. Avoid being overburdened with packages. After collecting several packages take them to your vehicle, lock them inside (out of sight) and return to the mall to continue shopping. Some shopping malls offer to store packages and allow you to bring your car to them for safe and easy pick up. Have a plan. Know what you will do if confronted. If you are confronted by someone who is attempting to do you harm, make lots of noise—scream, honk the horn of your vehicle, or even yell, “fire!” as loud as you can. Never agree to go with them to a secondary location.
Have a home escape plan. Even young children can learn what to do in the event of a fire in your home. Make sure you have working smoke alarms; that there are two ways out of each room; that home exits are unobstructed and easy to use; and that the family has a designated meeting place outside. Most important: practice the escape plan at least twice a year with every member of the family.
Finally, even though the weather has changed and the swimming pool is the last thing on your mind, you must still watch your children around water. Drowning can happen no matter what the temperature is outside. Remember, too, that buckets, toilets, bathtubs and even dog dishes can hold the small amount of water it takes for a child to drown. By planning ahead, paying attention to the hazards and taking the right steps to avoid them, you can have a safe and very happy holiday season.
Best wishes from Phoenix Fire and Phoenix Police!