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      Seasonal Safety: Have a Safe Christmas!

Of course you stopped believing in Santa Claus when you saw your parents slipping the presents under the tree. So who is the lumbering guy in a big suit and tall boots who's climbed out of something that looks like a shiny red sleigh? And why is he standing in your living room without presents? In fact, he's aiming a stream of water at what used to be a green, glittering fire hazard.

Nothing smells as wonderful as a real tree-the scent of pine mingled with fresh baked cookies is unforgettable. A few precautions, however, are necessary to keep you and your family safe. Start by choosing a tree that has recently been cut since it will contain more moisture. There are two simple tests: bend the needles-if they break they are too dry, and also shake the tree-if needles blanket the ground and your clothes and shoes move onto another tree. Think of dry branches as kindling. Hot lights or a spark from a cord connection can send your Christmas up in flames.

When a tree is harvested, naturally occurring resins form a seal over the cut. Once you've selected your tree and have it home, saw off the bottom few inches. Immediately submerge the stump water in the container at the bottom of the tree stand. It's a good idea to check water levels daily to ensure your tree stays fresh as long as possible.

Now you're ready for the best part-trimming the tree. If you're like most families you have a basement full of lights, tinsel and decorations. Christmas music is playing, you have lots of eggnog and you're prepared to spend hours trimming with your old favorites. Unfortunately, decorations are the cause of one third of Christmastime domestic fires. Choose strings of lights and cords that have a U.L. (Underwriters' Laboratory) sticker of approval. Generally, thicker cords offer more insulation and are less likely to get overloaded sparking an electrical fire. Try use no more than three sets of lights per extension cord and use a surge protector. Lights should be screwed tightly into their sockets.

Children and pets love to gnaw on anything they can fit in their mouth whether it's edible or not! One thing that most people don't realize is that older ornaments were often coated with lead-based paint which is particularly toxic to children. If you still want to hang them make sure that they are high enough to be out of reach. Lower ornaments should be too large to swallow, resist shattering and be non-toxic. There are plenty of choices: cloth, candy (just don't expect those decorations to last long), or popcorn. If you have toddlers consider setting up your tree on a table. It is far too easy for young children to tug on decorations and send the tree crashing down.

On those chilly nights when you have the fire roaring or the portable heater turned up, your Christmas tree should be several feet away from both. They will rapidly dry out your tree and that's the least of your worries-it only takes one spark from the fireplace or a scorched needle to ignite your tree.

Check your fire detectors and your carbon monoxide detector (Don't have one? Think of it as an early Christmas present to your household). You should have more than one fire detector regardless of your home size and install fresh batteries every six months. In fact, while you're out shopping for all those battery-powered toys why not pick up an extra pack?

After the holidays, don't let that tree linger in your living room. Despite your frequent watering it will be dangerously dry by the New Year. When you remove the "glitz and glitter" from the tree it's a good time to inspect the strings of lights. If you find any hot spots or melted areas of the cord coating toss it immediately to avoid hazards next year. A new set of lights or new extension cord is a small price to pay for keeping your family safe.

Most communities have a day in January when old trees will be collected and chipped for landscaping. If you decide to burn yours in your fireplace, however, remember that the tree will be quite dry. Use only small amounts at a time. The needles are very pungent so you may want to compost those small branches.

This holiday season can be care-free and safe if you follow a few simple precautions: check your lights and decorations, use a surge protect, water your tree and keep them away from heat. Now if only it was as easy to find a good place to hide that bicycle!

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