Remember to

burn only wood never burn paper or pine boughs, which can float out of

the chimney and ignite a neighboring home. Never use flammable liquids

in a fireplace. If you are purchasing a factory-built fireplace select

one listed by a testing laboratory, and have it installed according to

local codes.

Watch your

wood stoves. Be sure your wood or coal stove bears the label of a

recognized testing laboratory and meets local fire codes. Follow manufacturers'

recommendations for proper use and maintenance. Chimney connections and

chimney flues should be inspected at the beginning of each heating season

and cleaned if necessary.

Follow the

same safety rules for wood stoves as you would for space heaters. Burn

only wood, and be sure the wood stove is placed on an approved stove board

to protect the floor from heat and coals. Check with your fire department

and check local codes before having your wood stove installed.

Beware of

holiday lighting. Take care when burning candles. Be sure they are

kept away from decorations or other combustible materials. Don't leave

children unattended in a room with lit candles, and always keep candles,

as well as matches and lighters, out of the reach of children. Never display

lighted candles in windows or near exits.

Test tree

trimmings. When decorating with lights, be sure to purchase only those

labeled by a testing laboratory. Never use candles to decorate Christmas

trees. For outside decorations, use only those lights labeled for outdoor

use. Don't overload electrical outlets and always unplug all lights before

leaving home or going to bed.

Prepare

for holiday parties. Decorate only with flame-retardant or noncombustible

materials. Avoid using candles during parties. If guests will be smoking,

provide them with large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. After

the party, check inside and under upholstery and in trashcans for cigarette

butts that may be smoldering.

Keep Christmas

trees fresh. Choose a fresh Christmas tree and secure it in a sturdy

stand. Place the tree away from heat sources and exits, and water it daily.

If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled fire-retardant.

If you plan to hang stockings on your fireplace, do not use the fireplace

for fires.

Cook with

care. When cooking, don't wear loose fitting clothing. It can be ignited

them. Don't store items on the stovetop; they could catch fire.

Keep kitchen

appliances clean and in good condition, and turn them off after use. Don't

overload electrical outlets, and don't use appliances with frayed or cracked

wires.

Children love

to help cook. Supervise them closely.

Designate

a driver. When attending a party, always designate a non-drinking

driver. If you are the host of a holiday gathering, be sure there are

non-alcoholic beverages available for guests who are driving and be aware

of the condition of your guests.

Buckle up.

During the holiday months, people travel more than ever. Wearing a seat

belt is the easiest and best way to prevent injury in a motor vehicle

collision. Ensure that all passengers are also wearing safety belts.

Prepare

a winter storm plan. Have extra blankets on hand and ensure that each

member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and

water resistant boots. Stay tuned for storm warnings by listening to NOAA

Weather Radio and your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.

Enroll in

a first-aid and CPR course. Although these tips can help prevent an

emergency, it is also important to be prepared should an emergency situation

arise. To enroll in a first aid or CPR course, contact the Red Cross at

404-876-3602.

The 12 Holiday

Safety Tips are a compilation of information provided by the nonprofit

National Fire Protection Association and the Red Cross' Community First

Aid manual.