Winter Dangers: Heating, Driving, Pets Outdoors, & Holidays

Winter is a festive season of holidays, glistening snow, cold winds and ice storms. We celebrate the holidays, and at times travel by car to homes of friends and relatives to exchange gifts or for the sharing of meals. When ice storms, cold winds, and extreme temperatures occur, we stay indoors, cuddle, and at times use extra sources of heat. Sometimes, one heating source is inadequate and not enough, especially if the premises are cold and drafty. Quite often, we forget about the dangers that lurk within the winter season, dangers not only to us, but our family and pets as well.

Getting through the Holidays:

When putting up the Christmas tree, the first thing to do is to make certain that the tree is setting level and will not easily tip over. Next, before putting the lights on the tree check the wiring for frayed areas. If frayed or bare copper wiring is exposed do not use, simply discard and purchase a new string of lights. Bare wiring can produce electrical shocks, or set the tree ablaze due to dried branches. Within seconds a dry tree is fully engulfed in flames, within 5 seconds the fire spreads across the ceiling, igniting curtains. The cool air, arising from the floor feeds the flames and the sofa, area rugs and furniture ignite. Following the igniting of the furniture, flashover occurs within 40 seconds; the room is totally engulfed in flames and all oxygen is depleted. To avoid the chance of a tree fire, avoid damaged strings of lights, and the use of lit candles. Keep your fresh tree thoroughly watered at all times. Each year there are about 200 house fires originating from Christmas trees and nearly 6 million dollars of property damage. These fires are the results of damaged electrical lights, candles and matches. http://www.usfa.dhs.gov contains a video clip furnished by National Institute of Standards and Technology showing what can occur with a dry tree. This video clip is well worth viewing.