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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1984-12-05, Page 54Give to those who need it most Christmas... Christmas... 'tis the season to be wary. While good cheer and holiday merriment are the order of the day, fire safety experts urge revelers to let caution be their guide when decking the halls and trimming the tree. In addition to the fire hazards from cen- tral heating, stoves and fireplaces that ac- company the onset of winter, there are holi- day "extras" such as tree lights, candles, decorations and combustibles like wrapping paper and boxes. To ensure a safe season of "decking the halls," Pittway Corporation, makers of First Alert smoke detectors, recommends the following tips to decrease the chances of home fires and accidents. •Use a fireplace screen at all times. Just one spark on a rug or dry Christmas tree Christmas Gift Guide -19 tis the season to be wary can start a blaze. •Use the "bounce test" to help select a fresh Christmas tree. Hold the trunk of the tree and bounce it on the ground. If too many needles fall off, the tree is not as fresh as it should be. •Select an artificial tree that's labeled "fire retardant." •Check smoke detectors to make sure they're in good operating order. Depress the test button for a few seconds to see if the alarm sounds. For minimum protection, fire safety experts recommend one smoke detector on each level of the home. •Check tree lights for worn-out wirina serious fire hazard. Never run wiring under rugs. .Unplug all lights and electric decorations before going to bed. •When shopping for batteries for toys, buy a few extra for your smoke detectors. •Don't smoke in bed. While this is a year 'round rule, it's especially important when egg nog and New Year's toasts are flowing. The less alert you are, the more dangerous it is. •Don't overload electrical circuits with extension cords or adapters. Distribute lights evenly among electrical outlets. •Give the gift of safety to your family or friends. Even people who already have one smoke detector will appreciate the added protection afforded by another. Or, you may want to give someone a smoke detector/fire extinguisher combination such as the First Alert, Fire Safety Kit. In all likelihood there are nearly as many phoney charities around just before Christmas as there are unwary consumers. Unethical fund-raisers may knock at your door or call you on the phone. Most of us are particularly vulnerable at Christmas time and these promoters know it. The truly needy would suffer without the efforts of the legitimate charities and fund- raising organizations. The trick is to ensure that contributions end up with the people who need it most and not in some con artist's pocket. Erring on the side of caution is probably the best defence against these unscrupulous operators. Follow these basic guidelines to spot the phoneys: •Give only to groups you know. Ask ques- tions. Exactly how much money is the group attempting to raise? What percentage will actually go to charity? How much is ear- marked for administrative costs? •Don't be shy about asking for details. Get the canvasser's name, address and telephone number. If they are on the up -and - up, they will take the time to explain the ob- jectives of the organization and will give you all the information you ask for. Remember that, as a rule, legitimate fund-raisers are not in a big hurry. •The name of the group or organization may only sound legitimate. Check the authenticity and reputation of any charity or fund-raiser which is unknown to you. Files on most of these groups are maintain- ed by the Better Business Bureau. The local Chamber of Commerce is also a good source of information. •State that you have alreadygiven to the charity of your choice and lea e it at that. This response may completel fluster a huckster who has his spiel all composed. At Christmas time, don't be taken in by the con artist's favorite theme - under- privileged children. Christmas cards for crippled children is a common come-on before Christmas. The cards may arrive through e mail and there may be a letter enclose which says keep these cards send us $10 or the kids. Return the cards immediately to the sender. You are not required to pay for any material received by mail that you did not order. Christmas is traditionally a time for giv- ing, so by all means give to those less for- tunate. Feel even better about having done so by making sure your gift is going to those who need it. FINALLY! REAL VALUE IN HOME ENTERTAINMENT THE SATISFACTION 3 PACK 3 Great Networks for only 1595 • /month TUNE IN, DON'T MISS OUT, SUBSCRIBE NOW! 4 REDUCED CONNECTION CHARGE ON EITHER PACK reg. 525.00 NOW '195 • as of Dec. 1/84 SPECIAL! 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