Holiday Tips Decorating

Ladder Safety

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As simple as it may seem to use a ladder, many disabling injuries occur each year due to improper use of ladders.  Knowing the Do's and Don'ts can help you avoid becoming another victim of falling from a ladder.

Do's

  • Have a Buddy!
  • Make sure the ladder is suited for the type of job you plan to do.
  • Inspect the ladder for cracks or broken joints
  • Look overhead before placing a ladder with special attention to electrical hazards.
  • Clear any clutter away from the area around the base of the ladder.
  • Always climb the ladder facing the rungs.

Don'ts

  • Don't decorate at night without adequate lighting!
  • Don't allow more than one person on the ladder at a time.
  • Don't carry heavy objects up the ladder.  Use a bucket or other means to lift objects to the work area.
  • Don't place the ladder on an unstable surface and NEVER place it on top of another object.
Holiday Electrical

Electrical Safety

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Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in two out of every five (40%) of home Christmas tree fires.

Do's

  • Use Clips and not nails to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
  • Match power needs (amperage) of electrical products with amperage rating of extension cords.
  • Follow the manufacturer's use and care instructions that accompany electrical decorations.
  • Always unplug electrical decorations before replacing bulbs or fuses.
  • Make sure all extension cords and electrical decorations used outdoors are marked for outdoor use.

Don'ts

  • Don't overload electrical outlets.
  • Don't plug more than one high-wattage appliance into each outlet.
  • Don't connect more than three strings of incandescent lights.  More than three strands may not only trip a circuit breaker, but also can cause a fire. Consider replacing old incandescent lights with LEDs as they use far less energy and run cooler than traditional incandescent lights.
  • Don't use decorations that lack labeling from an independent testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
  • Don't place extension cords where they could cause a tripping hazard.
Holiday Travel

Holiday Travel

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In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for people aged 1-54, and more than 37,000 people were killed in crashes in 2016. However, many of these deaths can be prevented. Buckle up, drive sober, and stay safe on the roads this holiday season.

Do's

  • Leave lots of extra time to drive to your destination.
  • Check your tire pressure, oil, and coolant before any long trip.
  • Take regular breaks.  Stop at least once every two hours and more frequently if it is snowing.  Falling snow can have a hypnotic effect.
  • Make an emergency road kit. 
  • Check the weather before you leave.
  • Remember to drive defensively.
  • Make sure all passengers are wearing a seatbelt and children are bulkled into size appropriate car seats.

Don'ts

  • Don't drive during peak days if you can avoid it.
  • Don't use a cellphone while driving.
  • Don't drive while tired.
  • DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!!