Home Improvement Help and Maintenance Tips:

Every year we hear of household accidents taking lives around the holiday season. To keep the holiday season a happy season we need to practice safety awareness. The simple fact is this season brings an increased use of electricity, candles, fireplaces, extension cords, live trees indoors, and holiday lights both in and out doors, all of which can increase the risk of fire. With the holidays approaching, excitement fills the air with the anticipation of lots of food, lots of new toys, and seeing the family members that you only see on special occasions. To ensure the holidays are truly a wondrous event here are some tips to keep you and your family safe:

Test your smoke detectors
Test your carbon monoxide detector—if you do not have one, get one- it is worth it
Check to make sure your fire extinguisher is operable & easy to get to
Do not leave burning candles unattended
Dispose of fireplace ashes outside and in a metal container
After guests have left, take all trashcans outside—in case sparks or a cigarette may have gotten in
Use indoor extension cords indoors only
Use only outdoor lights outside your home
Connect no more than three strands of lights together
When connecting outdoor light strings together, cover the connections with plastic or something to keep out moisture
Read the warning labels on decorative lights and follow them
Check to make sure that all light strings are in good condition
Unplug light strings before replacing the bulbs
Do not overload electrical outlets
Use only UL-approved lights

Remember if you are entertaining guests that smoke, provide plenty of ashtrays, check for cigarettes left burning, and again remember to remove all waste-cans before going to bed.

If you have a live tree in your house for the holidays, here are some tips:

Do not purchase a tree that already has the needles falling off
Trim a couple of inches off the bottom of the tree just before you put it in water- this will help it absorb water
Locate the tree away from fireplaces and heat sources
Water the tree regularly
Use low voltage bulbs or “twinkle” type bulbs- these types of bulbs generate less heat
Never use candles, even on artificial trees
If you use a metallic tree, do not use electric lights on it
Turn off lights before going to bed

After the holiday season, when it is time to dispose of the tree, you can call your local sanitation office to see what provisions they provide for disposal, but for safety’s sake never burn it in your fireplace.

If you have that hard-to-shop-for person on your gift list, or just want to give someone you love that gift of safety, here are some gift ideas:

Smoke detectors
A fire extinguisher
A carbon monoxide detector
Flashlight and batteries
A first aid kit

We all are aware of the danger of fire and smoke and most of us have smoke detectors, and most of us check the batteries. But what about “The silent killer” carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is generated through incomplete combustion of fuel such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene, coal, and charcoal, gasoline or wood. This incomplete combustion can occur in a variety of home appliances. The major cause of high levels of carbon monoxide in the home is faulty ventilation of furnaces, hot water heaters, fireplaces, cooking stoves, grills and kerosene heaters.

Faulty or improper ventilation of natural gas and fuel oil furnaces during the cold winter months accounts for most carbon monoxide poisoning cases. Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are affordable and easy to install, and a must for every home. Youth groups often sell these items to raise money during the holiday season, so they are easy to find.

Remember the first step to keep your family safe begins with keeping your house safe!!!!

“The very best of holiday wishes to you and yours from all of us”