The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2007-12-20, Page 47(MS) -There are many causes forcelebration during the winter holidaymonths, but it's also the time of theyear when the threat of home firesincreases dramatically. Nearly one third of all residential fires occur during the winter, according to the National Fire Protection Association, resulting in billions of dollars in property damage, as well as thousands of injuries and deaths. Fires can originate from many sources: too many holiday lights plugged into an outlet, portable heating devices, or roaring fireplaces. However, there are precautions that homeowners can take to keep the home fires burning safely. The use of alternative heating devices is a significant source of many winter fires. "Fire departments and organizations such as the American Red Cross are at their busiest during the winter,” said Mike Convery, vice president and chief claim officer for MetLife Auto & Home. “Alternative heating devices, such as a space heater or wood stove, can be attractive cost-saving alternatives, but they increase the likelihood of a home fire occurring, if used improperly.” Holiday candles are also one of the leading causes of fires. In fact, the greatest number of home candle fires happen during celebrations such as Christmas Day, Hanukkah andKwanzaa. Many fires occur whenholiday decorations, such ascentrepieces, come into contact witha lit candle, which is why it’simportant to consider fire safety when using candles as part of holiday decorating. “The fact is, many fires are preventable, if the proper precautions are taken,” said Convery. “To help avoid a tragedy, it’s important to review the basics of fire safety. It only takes a few minutes and it could save a life.” FIREPLACE AND WOOD STOVE SAFETY TIPS · Keep a tight-fitting screen on your fireplace and obtain a professional inspection annually before use. You should also have your chimney cleaned on a regular basis to remove any debris. · If you have a wood-burning stove, make sure there is ample clearance between the stove and any combustible materials. Burn only dry, well-seasoned wood, and dispose of the ashes in a closed metal container outside the house. Do not burn trash in the stove - this can start a chimney fire. Never let a wood fire burn unattended or overnight. · With any type of heater, such as an electric space heater or portable kerosene heater, use common sense. Always keep the heater away from flammables and - although it may betempting, especially in snow-proneareas - never accelerate the drying ofclothes by placing them on top of theheater. Think twice, and use a dryingrack instead. Have your heater serviced per the manufacturer’s instructions. HOLIDAY FIRE PREVENTION TIPS · Deep-frying turkey during the holidays is becoming an American tradition, but be warned: there is the risk of severe injury and property damage from using gas-fired turkey fryers. Fryers can easily tip over, spilling up to five gallons of hot oil, and if a partially frozen turkey is dunked into the fryer, the oil could spill over and cause an explosion. Units without automatic thermostat controls can heat the oil to the point of combustion. · When it comes to seasonal decorations, there are many ways for your holidays to go “up in smoke” - literally. If you celebrate the season with a live Christmas tree, select one that is fresh and water it regularly. Keep it away from heat sources and exits. If you use an artificial tree, make sure it’s flame-resistant. · Never leave a lit Hanukkah Menorah or a Kwanzaa Kinara unattended. Have a candle snuffer and an appropriate fire extinguisher nearby. · Never burn a discarded Christmastree, wreath, or branches in yourfireplace. A Christmas tree can bevery oily and may damage yourchimney. More important, dry treesburn hot and fast, and often release sparks. Just one spark could ignite a carpet or window coverings.· With plenty of electric lights anddecorations set to illuminate theholidays, it’s important to remembernot to overload wall outlets andextension cords. Use a power strip where you can. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2007. PAGE B15. Holidays can be a particularly stressful time for everyone. Gift buying, store lineups, mall crowds, maxed out credit cards – who wouldn't feel stressed? The good news is that reducing holiday pressures is as easy as a shift in your mindset. Keeping things in perspective and appreciating the things you have, can go a long way to reduce anxiety at holiday time. Christian Children’s Fund of Canada, an organization that helps children in need around the world, has some simple things you can do to put your holiday stress in perspective. Count your blessings – Remember those less fortunate in other countries and remember all the things you have received in the last year. We like to dwell on the downside of life, but when we look at what little children in need don’t have, we can't help but feel blessed. Reach out to others – If you think your situation is tough, consider how others, especially those in need, are spending Christmas. Not only will this give you some perspective, but making a donation in the name of someone on your gift list is a great way to create a sense of personal satisfaction that you are helping. Remember those people who truly need your gifts – As we try to meet all the “wants” of those around us at Christmas, it is helpful to remember families in developing countries who can’t even provide for their day-to- day needs. Do something meaningful – Visiting a website like www.ccfcanada.ca is an easy yet satisfying way to help those in need this Christmas. Beyond traditional ways to donate like a child sponsorship, there are fun gift giving ideas for those on your list. Have you ever thought about sending a baby goat to a family in need, or filling a remote rural clinic with medical supplies? For more ways to find satisfaction through giving, visit www.ccfcanada.ca or call 1-800- 263-5437. – News Canada Tips to minimize threat of holiday fires How to reduce holiday stress And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 May you be blessed with peace and understanding throughout this holy season. Snell Feed & Supplies Ltd. Westfield 519-523-9501 May your home be blessed by the miracle of Christmas To our valued customers and friends, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year RYAN CONSTRUCTION Brussels 519-887-6916 or 519-887-2638 TENPAS DECOR CARPET ONE 122 Main St. E., Listowel, Ontario N4W 2B6 519-291-4440 Wishing you tidings of comfort and joy, plus wall-to-wall happiness this holiday season. Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. SSeeaassoonn’’ss GGrreeeettiinnggss Brian, Brenda and all the staff at John, Rick, Randy & Staff ELLIOTT NIXON INSURANCE BROKERS INC. a member of HIMG TEST YOUR TURKEY KNOWLEDGE 1. How should you thaw a frozen whole turkey? A) In the refrigerator B) On the counter C) Under a sun lamp 2. How long does it take to thaw a frozen turkey? A) 1 hour per pound B) 1 day per pound C) 1 day for every 4 pounds 3. What do you call a male turkey? A) Tom B) Dick C) Harry 4. How much turkey do you need per person? A) 1/2 pound B) 1 1/2 pounds C) 1 pound 5. At what temperature is your turkey done? A) 160°F (72°C) in the thigh B) 200°F (93°C) in the breast C) 180°F (83°C) in the thigh 6. Who do you call if you have a turkey question? A) Dr. Phil B) Turkey Talk-Line (1-800- BUTTERBALL) C) Aunt Bertha Answers: 1.A 2.C 3.A 4.B 5.C 6.B – News Canada