Every year thousands of people lose their lives or possessions as a result of fire, accident, crime, and misadventure over the Christmas season. Very often the tragedy could have prevented with a little bit of information. 

Christmas time tends to have a higher than normal incidence of fires and fire related deaths which can turn what should be a festive time into a period of tragedy and sorrow.

As well, Christmas is a time when one should take care on the roadways. The holiday spirit usually means a higher incidence of drunk drivers on the road and due care and attention should be paid to the issue of vehicular safety.

Children and pets often get caught up in the excitement of Christmas and special care must be taken to try and ensure their well-being. 

The Christmas turkey, a source of much enjoyment and tradition at this time of year can cause serious illness and death if not prepared, cooked, and stored properly.

Santa Claus School Inc. would like to recommend these safety measures and urges you to seek further information to ensure a safe and happy holiday season. 

Candles add a warm ambience to the Christmas season when used safely.

• Candles should never be left unattended, or placed close to materials such as Christmas trees or cards.
• Never display lighted candle in windows or near exits where they can knocked down or blown over.
• Strip away the outer coating of the wick. If you can write with what is left the wick is made of lead and the candle should not be burned.

Christmas trees are a very special part of the Christmas tradition. Choosing a Christmas tree can be a fun activity in which all family members can participate. Christmas trees are involved in about 700 reported fires in North America annually and require safe handling. Here are some suggestions for selecting that perfect Christmas tree.

• Get a tree that is freshly cut because it will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard. Check for freshness by examining the needles. They shouldn't break when you bend them between your fingers. Tap the tree on a firm surface; if a lot of needles drop off the tree is too dry. Douglas Fur and Blue Spruce hold needles best after a frost. Don't rely on the greenness of a tree. Many trees are sprayed to keep the green color. Fresh trees have a sticky resin on the trunk.
• Cut two inches off the trunk at the diagonal and use a sturdy tree stand that has wide spread legs for better balance and a large water reservoir ( 1 gallon + ) in which to immerse the tree butt. Mix in a commercial preservative. The tree stand should be clean to assure water intake by the tree. Check water level 
  daily.
•  Keep tree outside until you are ready to decorate it.
• Use thin guy wires to secure the tree if it large and liable to tip over. Keep the tree away from traffic lanes where it might be knocked over, or prevent escape in the event of fire.
• Spray the tree with a flame retardant.
• Do not place the tree near heat sources such as heat vents, candles, or fireplace and make sure it doesn't block doors or windows which may be used as an escape exit. 
• Do not put lighted candles on a tree.
• Remove the tree outside as soon as possible and DO NOT burn the tree in the fireplace.
• If you use an artificial tree, be sure it is fire-retardant, and CSA, ULC/UL approved.
• Never use electric lights on metal trees. The tree can become charged and a person touching the tree may be electrocuted. Use spotlights above or beside if you want to highlight it. 

Holiday cooking and entertaining can turn the kitchen into the busiest room in the house. With so much activity going on, be extra careful that fire safety is practiced in the kitchen.

•  Never leave cooking unattended.
• Wear tight fitting sleeves when cooking to avoid catching your clothes on fire.
• Keep your stove top and oven clean. The extra load can cause a fire due to the high use and extra grease built-up. Don't store items on your stove top.
• Turn pot handles inward so they won't be bumped or pulled over.
• Appliances with frayed cords should not be used.
• Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher close to the kitchen.

Decorations add a festive look to your home and add to the ambience of the holiday season. If not used properly they may present a hazard.

• Mistletoe, holly berries, Christmas Rose, Poinsettia, and Jerusalem Cherry are toxic if more than a few are consumed.
• Old tinsel may contain lead.
• Fire salts which produce multi-colored effects when thrown on burning fireplace contain heavy metals.
• Use non-combustible/flame resistant and unleaded materials to trim a tree or decorate.
• Christmas tree trimmings should not look edible. Small children may be tempted.
• Avoid placing small or breakable ornaments on lower branches where children or pets can reach them and pull them off. Children and pets can cut themselves or choke on small broken pieces.

There is a tendency to overload electrical outlets when decorating the Christmas tree with lights. This is an unsafe practice even for a short duration.

• Use the proper CSA or ULC/UL approved light strings. Indoor lights should not be used outdoors because they lack weather proof connections and some exterior lights burn too hot to be installed inside the home on trees.
• Ground fault circuit interrupters should be used for additional electric shock protection.
• All electrical connections should be above ground and away from puddles of water or snow.
• Outdoor lights should be fastened securely to prevent damage from the wind. Use insulated staples or hooks to hold strings in place.
• Christmas lights which use less power save on your electric bill and are safer as less heat is generated.
• Tighten bulbs in their sockets to prevent electric arcing.
• All circuits should be safeguarded by using the proper size fuse.
• Inspect all light strings and extension cords to ensure they are in proper working condition without any loose connections or frayed and exposed wires. 
• Do not connect more than three strands together.
• Avoid using extension cords. If you must, only use extension cords that have a CSA or ULC/UL approval and make sure they have the capacity to accommodate the electrical load of the Christmas lights.
• Never overload wall outlets and place all extension cords so they do not present a tripping hazard.
• Do not run an electrical cord under carpet.
• Outdoor trees with Christmas lights should not touch power lines.
• Never use lights that have an empty socket.
• Lights should not touch a combustible material.
• Unplug all Christmas lights prior to leaving your home or going to bed.
  

When fire strikes, there is no time to think. That's why it's important to draw a home escape plan and practice it.

• Draw a floor plan diagram of your whole house showing doors and windows.
• Every member should know of two exits out of every room in the home. If you see fire or smoke in the first escape route, use the second route. 
• If you must escape through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to the exit.
• If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before you open it to see if its warm. If its warm, use the alternate route. 
• When smoke, heat, or fire block your escape, stay in your room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright colored cloth at the window. Phone 9-1-1 if there is a phone in the room.
• If an exit involves an upper story window, make sure there is a safe way to reach the ground.
• Decide on a meeting place outside of the home where everyone can gather once they have escaped.
• Once out of the home, stay out. Call 9-1-1 from the neighbor's home.
• Plan and practice your escape plan at least twice a year so that every member of the family knows what to do in the case of an emergency. Remember, if you should catch on fire, stop-drop-roll.

The burning Yule log in the fireplace gives a sense of warmth and comfort during the Christmas season when a little safety know how is used.

• Always keep a screen in front of the fireplace to protect against flying embers.
• Never place combustibles such as cards and wrapping paper too close to the fireplace. Do not hang stockings on the fireplace if you plan to have a fire.
• Do not burn gift wrapping, boxes or Christmas tree branches in the fireplace as they burn too rapidly and generate too much heat. Paper or pine boughs can float out of a chimney and ignite a neighbor's home.
• Always ensure a fresh air supply is present when using your fireplace or wood stove.
• Inspect your fireplace and chimney system yearly for soot build up and loose ducts.

• Make a decision before attending a party regarding who is to be the designated driver. If you are attending solo, make a decision not to drink at all, or use a taxi service.
• If you're the host make sure there are non-alcoholic beverages for your guests. As the host it is your responsibility to ensure none of your guests leaves your home impaired. Stop serving alcoholic drinks at least an hour before the party ends. Don't allow guests who are impaired to drive home or walk home. As the host you have certain legal obligations toward your guests. Many hosts engage a service to ferry guests to and from the party.
• Be sure you and your passengers buckle up when on the road. 
• Always carry a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle. 

( In the Trunk )

• Shovel
• Sand/salt/kitty litter
• Traction Mats
• Tow chain
• Compass
• Cloth/roll of paper towel
• Candle in a deep tin can
• Matches/lighter
• Fire extinguisher
• Methyl Hydrate for de-icing fuel lines, etc.
• Road flares/warning lights
• Extra clothing/foot ware
• Emergency food pack ( high energy foods )
• Axe or hatchet
• Booster cables
• Ice scraper/brush

( In the Vehicle )

• Road maps
• Flashlight
• 1st aid kit
• Survival blanket/person

When weather or road conditions are poor you should plan for extra time to reach your destination. Speed kills.
. Gifts displayed in cars are a target for thieves. Place valuables in the trunk. Park in well lighted areas that have heavy traffic.
. Consider installing a theft deterrent system such as an alarm or steering wheel immobilization device. 

Smoke detectors are a sound you can live with. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and maintain them on a regular basis.

•  Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and especially outside every sleeping area. If you sleep with the doors closed, put a fire detector in the bedroom.
• Test your detectors by pushing the test button at least once a month.
• Install new batteries at least once a year
•  Vacuum cobwebs and dust from around your smoke detector monthly.
• Have one or more fire extinguishers in your home.
• Check out the cost of an automatic sprinkler system.
• Smoke detectors have an operating life of approximately 8-10 years and should be replaced at the end of that time frame.

Parties and family gatherings are commonplace during the festive season. Proper use of smokers' materials is important to ensure happier times.

• Make sure all ashtrays are deep and sturdy and are non-combustible.
• Always ensure all smoker's materials are totally extinguished before they are disposed of in metal waste containers.
• Avoid smoking near combustible materials.
• Never leave lighters or matches in reach of little children.
• After the party, check inside and under upholstery.

• Regardless of whether the turkey is fresh or frozen, the turkey you buy must have an inspection mark on it. Its an indication the turkey meets government standards. 
• Thaw frozen turkey in its original wrap on a tray in the bottom of the refrigerator. This prevents juices from coming into contact with other foods in the refrigerator. Allow 24 hours of defrost time for every 5 lbs. of turkey. 
• If you thaw the turkey in cold water, place it in its original wrapper in a deep sink of cold water. If wrapper is torn place a plastic bag around the whole turkey and close securely. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure the water is kept cold. Do not use warm or hot water in order to speed up the defrost time. Allow 30 minutes per lb. 
• Do not defrost the turkey on a kitchen counter at room temperature as it increases the possibility of dangerous toxins that cooking may not destroy.
• Thawed or fresh turkey may be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days before cooking.
• Check the best before or expiry date on the turkey wrapping. Buy your turkey one or two days before you plan to roast it.
• Roast fresh turkey as soon as possible, but no later than the " use by " date on the package.
• Place raw poultry on non-porous surfaces; these are easy to clean. Avoid wooden cutting boards.
• Wash hands, work surfaces and utensils touched by raw poultry and its juices with hot soapy water before and after working with raw turkey.
• Use cooking methods that allow the turkey to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F in less than four hours. Usually that means preheating the oven to 325 degrees F. Dark meat takes longer to cook so you should place the thermometer in the thickest part of the turkey thigh. It should read 180 degree F when the bird is cooked. Avoid using low roasting temperatures or partial cooking methods.
• Before roasting a turkey, remove the original plastic wrapper from the turkey and take out the neck and giblets from the body and neck cavities.
• Use paper towels, not cloth, to dry off turkey and wipe up juices.
• Stuffing a turkey in advance to save time is a recipe for disaster. Stuff the turkey just before you roast it. Ingredients may be prepared earlier, but keep moist and dry ingredients separate and combine just before stuffing. Keep in mind that stuffing can contain potentially toxic ingredients such as broth, eggs, and meat, etc. Stuffing should be cooked to a minimum of 165 degrees F to be safe.
• Legs should be in the tuck position.
• Use a meat thermometer to determine turkey's doneness.
• If using an oven-safe thermometer, insert the thermometer prior to placing the turkey in the oven and leave in while the turkey is roasting. Turn the thermometer so it can be read while the turkey is in the oven.
• If using an instant-read thermometer, do not leave the thermometer in the turkey during roasting. Make sure you clean the tip before replacing it in its case.
• Accuracy of a thermometer can be checked by placing it in a large cup of 50/50 ice and water slush for minutes. The thermometer should read 32 degrees F. You may need to recalibrate the thermometer to get this figure if you are out one or two degrees. A digital thermometer may need to have its battery changed.
• If the turkey is done ahead of schedule you may hold it in the oven at a reduced temperature of 200 degree F. The temperature should not drop below 140 degrees F during this time.
• Store turkey, stuffing, gravy, broth and other cooked foods properly within two hours after cooking.
• Within two hours after roasting, remove stuffing from turkey and carve the meat off the bones, than store in the refrigerator or freezer.
• To store in the refrigerator, wrap turkey slices and stuffing separately in aluminum foil or place in a freezer container, for optimum taste. Use stuffing within one month and turkey within two months.

•  Select toys that are age appropriate keeping in mind other children who may have access to that toy. An older child's toy may pose a safety hazard to younger children. The age, abilities, skills, and interests of the child must be considered. 
• Small parts can pose a fatal choking hazard to children. 
• Sharp edged and pointed toys should be avoided.
• Toys with electrical elements may require supervision for children under eight.
• Read the label. They should be clearly understandable to you and a child of appropriate age. It should contain information relative to the toy such as age range, safety warnings.
• Sturdy construction is essential. Parts such as eyes, nose, wheels, and other small parts must be securely attached.
• Easy to clean toys should be machine washable to remove germs, or made of a hard sturdy material that will withstand washing. 
• Stuffed toys should be flame-retardant or nonflammable.
• Ensure the toy is non-toxic both in terms of paint and material. 
• Art supplies should be checked for toxic health hazards. Crayons, paints, clay, etc should be able to be put in the mouth. Washable is always preferred.
• Assemble toy if required in the manner described in the manual.
• Keep literature and warranty cards if any in a secure place.
• Safe storage of toys is a necessity. Toys should be put away after use so no one trips over them.
• Toy chests should have removable lids or non closing lids that don't drop down unexpectantly. Chests should have air holes for ventilation. 
• Check toys daily to ensure they have not become a safety hazard. Loose screws/wheels, splinters, beads, eyes, noses, etc.
• Leaving toys in a crib is an accident waiting to happen. Big and small toys can smother a child. Toys can be used as stepping stones out of the crib.
• Loudness of a toy can cause hearing impairment.
• Toys with long cords/strings are extremely dangerous for very young children. Mobiles are not toys.
• Projectile toys can cause eye damage.
• Discard plastic wrappings on toys immediately, before they become deadly playthings.

• Your stove should meet CSA, ULC/UL safety codes. 
• Follow the manufacturers guidelines for safe operation. 
• Inspect chimney/flue and clean at least once a year.
• Be sure the stove is placed on a stove board to protect the floor from heat and coals.
• Check local safety codes and your home
• insurance policy before your wood stove is installed.
• Space heaters should be placed at least three feet away from anything that is combustible.
• Never leave space heaters operating when you are not in the room, or when you go to bed.
• Children or pets should not be left unattended with a space heater.
• Drying wet clothes such as gloves, socks, etc., on a space heater is a distinct fire hazard. 

By following these basic safety tips you can ensure that your family will be safe and enjoy a healthy and happy Christmas season. Santa School urges you to seek further information from local/national loss prevention agencies.