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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1985-12-04, Page 33• REMEMBER SAFETY RULES V' Page yl Christmas trees can make holidays safe As you put the finish touches on your holi- day preparations, stop for a moment and consider the most important part of the season's festivities — the health and welfare of your loved ones. While Christmas decorations lend magic to the holiday season, they can also be a potential fire hazard when handled im- properly. Artificial trees are a safe alternative to natural Christmas trees if they are manufactured from ignition -resistant polyvinyl chloride (commonly known as vinyl). In an experiment conducted by the Inter- . national Society of Fire Service Instructors, a natural Christmas tree and a vinyl tree were ignited. The natural tree ,was consumed in flames in a matter of minutes, and the room filled with black smoke. But, under the same con- ditions, the vinyl tree did not cause the fire to spread, or give off the dense black smoke. According to Dr. Roy T. Gottesman, ex- ecutive director of The Vinyl Institute, the Consider calendar as a gift Consider the calender. The calender an ancient device if th ever was one, is still hanging d countless years after the first h "ods scratched wiggles into a rock to record the passage of the moon. That was the first calender, but calenders have changed. Humaniods and the next several generations used them to figure out the crops. Today, being less earth oriented than our ancestors, we use calenders to keep track of our most precious commodity - time. But calenders are many other things. Some of them inform, with interesting` little notations from history. Others offer in- spirational messages, humorous quips, recipes and plant car tips. Today's calender is geared to individual tastes. There are calenders for cat lovers, calenders for ski buffs, calenders illustrated by classic art, calenders for the business professional and calenders for children. As a new year rolls around, a variety of calenders flood the market. At Christmas they make a particularly timely gift. Age your fruit cakes Fruit cakes should be aged at least three weeks before serving to improve the cake's flavor and texture, says Monica Beaumont, foods and nutrition specialist with the On- tario Ministry of Agriculture and Food's rural organizations and services branch. To age the cake, wrap in foil or a liquid soaked cloth. ( The cloth should be soaked with the same liquid used to soak the fruits.) Place in an airtight container and store in a very cool place. After aging, fruit cakes can be frozen for up to 12 months. Wrap in a moisture - vapor -proof paper or plastic and freeze. To serve, remove from freezer and thaw at room temperature for several hours. results of the experiment showed that a vinyl tree can actually help prevent a fire. "Unlike natural trees, vinyl trees will not cause a fire to spread." Before you buy an artificial tree, check to be sure that it carries either a UL or FM label, The Vinyl Institute recommends. This ensures that the entire tree, from the base to the needles, is ignition -resistant. Do keep all decorations away from heat sources such as radiators, stoves, heaters, fireplaces, and any open flame. Don't use lighted candles on trees or decorations. Before stringing your lights, check carefully for damaged plugs and frayed wires. Also be careful not to overload elec- trical outlets or plugs. Plan ahead for a safe and. merry Christmas by installing smoke detectors and sprinklers in your home. Also make sure each member of your family knows what to do if a fire starts. Common sense and a few preventive measures will help you rest safely this holi- day season. 11111111111 THIS THURSDAY • FRIDAY AND SATURDAY ONLY DECEMBER 5.6.7 All SUITS AND BLOUSES No credit cards for sale items 0/0 Off Open six days a week 9 am • 6 pm Friday evenings till 9 pm Open 'till 9 pm Monday Dec. 16 to Friday Dec. 20 and Monday Dec. 23. Wonderful additions to her win- ter wardrobe show your good taste Make your selections from our fashionable. assortment of sweaters, blouses, skirts, slacks, suits, dresses and more. All include Free Gift Wrapping. Can't Decide? A GIFT CERTIFICATE is sure to please!