Holiday Safety

More than 20,000 people die in home accidents every year and about a third of all injuries occur there. Holiday time can be a real killer if you don't follow safe practices -- so -- before you start to 'Deck the Hails' this year:

Check insulation on electric cords and inspect for any other damage before using them. Make sure your tree lights are approved -- look for the Underwriters Laboratory tag. Never place electrical cords under rugs and don't overload circuits, match the plug to the outlet. Use a fireplace screen and NEVER burn a Christmas tree in the fireplace. Keep candies away from the tree.

Use electric cords approved for outdoor use for your outdoor display. Ladder safety is as important at home as it is at work.

Designate a non drinking driver before you go to that holiday party. Don't allow a guest who has had 'too much' to drive. If you drive, be extra alert for drunk drivers on the road.

The following tips apply to the holidays and every day:

Check your heating unit and hot water heater for defects. Remember the silent killer -- carbon monoxide. Remove any combustibles from the furnace area. Have you checked your smoke detectors lately? Do they have fresh batteries? Check them today. Store flammable liquids away from heat and electricity and out of the reach of children. On the subject of fire -- NEVER smoke in bed -- and most importantly, teach children that if their clothes ever catch on fire to STOP, DROP and ROLL!

Keep handles of pots turned inward where little people cannot grab them and injure themselves. NEVER leave a loaded gun where there is any chance that a child could find it. Let the baby sitter know where you are going, what time you will return, and who to call in an emergency -- and just like at work -- have all emergency numbers posted near the telephone.

PLAY IT SAFE AND KEEP YOUR HOLIDAYS HAPPY! WE WISH EACH OF YOU ALL THE JOYS OF THE SEASON