Pointers can make
holiday season safer
Star-Bulletin staff
Christmas tree safety
Consider buying an artificial tree -- they're safer and cleaner.
A real tree should not lose green needles when you tap it on the ground.
Cut one inch off the trunk to help absorb water.
Leave the tree outside until ready to decorate.
The tree stand should hold at least one gallon of water and be the proper size for the tree base.
A six foot tree will use one gallon of water every two days.
Mix a commercial preservative with the water.
Check the water level every day.
Secure the tree to prevent it from tipping.
Keep the tree away from flames or other heat sources.
Before plugging in electrical decorations, carefully inspect each one. Cracked sockets, frayed, loose or bare wires, and loose connections may cause a serious electric shock or start a fire.
Check the manufacturer's instructions on your electrical decorations to determine the maximum number of decorative lights (light strings) and decorations that may be connected. If the product packaging does not indicate the number of light strings that may be connected, practice this rule of thumb: do not connect more than three light string sets together.
Don't overload extension cords.
Turn off lights and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
Never use candles, even on artificial trees.
Dispose of the tree properly and consider recycling.
Home safety
This is a good time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
Every home should have a smoke detector inside each sleeping area and on every level. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas, such as family rooms, living rooms or dens.
Cooking vapors and steam sometimes set off a smoke detector. To correct this, move the detector away from the kitchen or bathroom.
Plan your escape routes. Know at least two ways out of each room. Go directly to a specified outside meeting place and then call the fire department.
After holiday parties, check around and under sofa and chair cushions for smoldering cigarettes. Provide lots of ash trays during the party.
Have an operable fire extinguisher readily available.
"Safety" gift ideas
Consider putting together a gift basket containing one or more of the following items:
Three smoke detectors and batteries.
A fire extinguisher.
A flashlight and batteries or light sticks.
A first-aid kit.
A mobile phone.
Source: Honolulu Fire Department Chief Attilio K. Leonardi.
