HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2013-12-18, Page 21Wednesday, December 18, 2013 • Lakeshore Advance 21
ChthThia Creet7igs
Don't let your Christmas tree lead to tragedy this season
How to
prevent
accidental fire
during the
holidays
(NC)— It's the Christmas
holiday season, our most
treasured time of the year. It's
a time of celebration, joy and
sharing time with family and
friends. Unfortunately, this
•)portant time can also be
,..,e marked by tragedy if pre-
cautions are not taken against
accidental fire. According to
the Canadian Safety Council,
every year about 400 Canadi-
ans lose their lives in an acci-
dental household fire. In fact,
it's during the holiday season
that the number of deaths
caused by accidental house-
hold fires is at its highest.
Patrice De Luca, vice presi-
dent of marketing and busi-
ness development for Reli-
ance Protectron Security
Services, says the major cul-
prit for this significant
increase is the famed Christ-
mas tree. "You need to take
every possible precaution to
minimize the risks of fire,
especially if you choose a
natural tree," he added. "lire
is one of the greatest threats
to your family and home.
People do not realize the
emotional toll a fire can take,
even if there is no Toss of life:'
I lere are safety tips to con-
sider from Protectron's free
"Saving Lives Program":
• If possible, consider an artificial tree.
'they are much safer and cleaner.
• Leave the tree outside until you're
ready to decorate.
• The tree stand should hold at least 1
gallon of water. It's crucial to check the
water level every day.
• Detectors for smoke and carbon
monoxide should be installed at strate-
gic locations - your kitchen, stairwell,
bedroom hallways and other high -traf-
fic household areas. Monitored smoke
detectors can save lives by having oper-
ators standing by 24-7 and dispatching
emergency services if required (for
example if fire occurs while sleeping).
. • Keep the tree away from floor heat-
ers, fireplaces, or other heat sources.
• Use only CSA -listed lights, and no
more than three strands linked together.
• Use miniature lights -which have
cool -burning bulbs.
• 1'urn off the Christmas lights when
you sleep, or if you leave your home for
very long.
• Examine light strings each year, dis-
card worn ones.
• Fasten the bulbs securely and point
the sockets down to avoid moisture
build up.
• Avoid overloading wall outlets and
extension cords.
• I lave an operable fire extinguisher
readily available.
• Practice an escape plan at least once
a year. Make sure the whole family is
involved.
• Finally, make sure to dispose of your
tree properly at the end of the season.
Protectron's "Saving Lives Program" is
offered free to families considering home
security solutions. More information on
the program or 011 fire safety and home
security is available online at www.pro-
tectron.com. www.newscallada.com
THERFS \( 1'1,.1('11; LIKE S011El'ti FOR THE 1IOI,II).\l'S!
KID'S
HELP
PHONE
FREE
EMERGENCY
CALL
1.800.6684868
TOLL FREE
24 HOURS
A DAY
RUNAWAY,
SICK, IN
DANGER, IN
TROUBLE
fe hrii ma
app New Year
Thank you for
your continued support
from the Ihrig Family
and S ; at
We want you to know just how much we
appreciate your generous support, and wish you
all a very merry and bright holiday season.
between (inuui !lend & llayflelc
on Hwy. 21
519.236.7707
essenIand.com
55 Main St. E., Grand Bend 519-238-8944
Kimberley Kennedy &
Robert Green
Owners/Operators, (;rand Bend Sobeys
& Staj'