Avoid Holiday Fire Disasters Through Safe Candle Use

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Candles lend a special light to the holiday season: Halloween jack-o-lanterns, Thanksgiving dinner tables, Advent wreaths, Menorahs, luminarias, and Kwaanza Kinaras. If not for a seasonal purpose, then perhaps the romantic lighting or the smell of sugar cookies has convinced you that candles are an undeniable asset to ambiance. Whatever the reason, candle safety is important, particularly during the holiday season when their use is particularly common. Here are some basic guidelines to help keep you safe. Commit these to memory and avoid the embarrassment of last year's flaming cheese fondu (the result of a single candle... and might I add, not my fault).

Who

Children should be taught to stay away from lit candles. Try to keep them out of reach of young children and pets. Candle lighting is not an appropriate activity for small children, so keep matches and lighters out of the sight and reach of children.

Where

Burn candles away from drafts, other heat sources, and all flammable objects or materials. In other words, never use candles near windows or exits. Don't place them on Christmas trees, real or artificial (I know, it's tradition, but setting the house on fire isn't). Keep burning candles away from curtains, wrapping paper, paper, combustible decorations and displays (including Aunt Juanita's hair), flammable liquids, and aerosol sprays (please see Aunt Juanita's hair), such as hair spray, which can explode. Never allow a candle flame to touch any glass surface.

When

Don't burn candles for more than four hours at a time. Unattended candles are an invitation to disaster, so don't forget to snuff out candles before leaving the room or going to bed (that's right, falling asleep to candle light: bad idea). Blowing out candles doesn't do the trick: extinguish them by wetting the wick.

And some other quick tips:

• Candles other than jar candles must be used in an appropriate non-tipping, non-flammable holder made of tempered glass or made with a proper glaze.
• Place candles on a safe, heat-resistant dry surface. If possible, place glass chimneys or shades over them.
• For Christmas luminarias, use 15-hour votive candles in holders placed in paper bags filled with at least 2 inches of sand. The candle must be of a size that will allow adequate space between the candle and bag so as not to ignite the bag.
• Remove labels and tags from candles before burning.
• Keep wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch at all times. This inhibits smoking and carbon build-up at the tip of the wicks and provides a cleaner burn.
• Sometimes a layer of liquid wax forms that causes the wick to fall to the side. To maintain an even burn, keep the wick centered. This will also protect the candle holder, since a flame that's too close for too long may crack the holder.
• Keep the wax pool free of foreign objects such as wick trimmings and matches. They will interfere with proper burning and are flammable.
• Extinguish taper or pillar candles when they get within 2 inches of their holders. Discontinue use of candle containers when 1/2" of wax remains.

Content Credit: http://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/sfmo/fmcandlesafe.pdf
Photo Credit: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO73qrp0k1YIKpeJTAH1DqZNZrhRR4YFK98wxr4WFrvDADpxNQBjSTdqJHt31Z38EZ7gzn6pbMeRmTwHS604zM-wzIbi1XTQjS6GLiMaBDjoj2FxtBMD_a8F4jAdXtNvGveMLUT47M_XWS/s1600/candle_flame.jpg

Avoid Holiday Fire Disasters Through Safe Candle Use

Candles lend a special light to the holiday season: Halloween jack-o-lanterns, Thanksgiving dinner tables, Advent wreaths, Menorahs, luminarias, and Kwaanza Kinaras. If not for a seasonal purpose, then perhaps the romantic lighting or the smell of sugar cookies has convinced you that candles are an undeniable asset to ambiance. Whatever the reason, candle safety is important, particularly during the holiday season when their use is particularly common. Here are some basic guidelines to help keep you safe. Commit these to memory and avoid the embarrassment of last year's flaming cheese fondu (the result of a single candle... and might I add, not my fault).

Who

Children should be taught to stay away from lit candles. Try to keep them out of reach of young children and pets. Candle lighting is not an appropriate activity for small children, so keep matches and lighters out of the sight and reach of children.

Where

Burn candles away from drafts, other heat sources, and all flammable objects or materials. In other words, never use candles near windows or exits. Don't place them on Christmas trees, real or artificial (I know, it's tradition, but setting the house on fire isn't). Keep burning candles away from curtains, wrapping paper, paper, combustible decorations and displays (including Aunt Juanita's hair), flammable liquids, and aerosol sprays (please see Aunt Juanita's hair), such as hair spray, which can explode. Never allow a candle flame to touch any glass surface.

When

Don't burn candles for more than four hours at a time. Unattended candles are an invitation to disaster, so don't forget to snuff out candles before leaving the room or going to bed (that's right, falling asleep to candle light: bad idea). Blowing out candles doesn't do the trick: extinguish them by wetting the wick.

And some other quick tips:

• Candles other than jar candles must be used in an appropriate non-tipping, non-flammable holder made of tempered glass or made with a proper glaze.


• Place candles on a safe, heat-resistant dry surface. If possible, place glass chimneys or shades over them.


• For Christmas luminarias, use 15-hour votive candles in holders placed in paper bags filled with at least 2 inches of sand. The candle must be of a size that will allow adequate space between the candle and bag so as not to ignite the bag.


• Remove labels and tags from candles before burning.


• Keep wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch at all times. This inhibits smoking and carbon build-up at the tip of the wicks and provides a cleaner burn.


• Sometimes a layer of liquid wax forms that causes the wick to fall to the side. To maintain an even burn, keep the wick centered. This will also protect the candle holder, since a flame that's too close for too long may crack the holder.


• Keep the wax pool free of foreign objects such as wick trimmings and matches. They will interfere with proper burning and are flammable.


• Extinguish taper or pillar candles when they get within 2 inches of their holders. Discontinue use of candle containers when 1/2" of wax remains.

Sandy Hayden

Content Credit: http://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/sfmo/fmcandlesafe.pdf
Photo Credit: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO73qrp0k1YIKpeJTAH1DqZNZrhRR4YFK98wxr4WFrvDADpxNQBjSTdqJHt31Z38EZ7gzn6pbMeRmTwHS604zM-wzIbi1XTQjS6GLiMaBDjoj2FxtBMD_a8F4jAdXtNvGveMLUT47M_XWS/s1600/candle_flame.jpg

Fun Friday: Cheddar-Saving Travel Tips

Yep, with the holidays in full swing we're all wondering how to save some money, particularly in the costly area of travel. Found an incredible article courtesy of Real Simple that I had to share! Without further ado:

1. Book Early and Save

Figure out ahead of time where you're going to spend the holidays and book as soon as you decide! Early planning results in the best deals!

2. Buy Your Tickets Now

News flash: Travel fares only go up as the holidays draw near, so book now. Check out the Bing price predictor to see if fares are expected to go up or down within the next week, so you can figure out the ideal day to buy. Once your'e ready, check the best online discount travel sights and, sigh, breath easy when you've booked.

3. Don't Drive Yourself to the Airport

I had to learn this one the hard way. Airport parking prices take a steep hike around the holidays (high demand, folks). See if a friend can drive you to the airport. No dice? Call a cab or van or check out public transportation.

4. Get There Early

Sounds obvious? During the holidays it is extremely important to leave extra time for seasonal travel madness. Your planning will be wasted if you miss your flight. Assume the worst: expect terrible traffic and long lines at check-in and security. Leave extra early! Don't add stress to the holidays with a sprint to the departure gate.

5. Don't Wrap Your Gifts Ahead of Time

I know, I know. Not what you expected, but with added security around the holidays, TSA personnel may unwrap presents for inspection. Pack some wrapping paper or gift bags in your luggage and wrap upon landing.

6. Be Smart About Your Suitcase

Don't fall prey to overweight baggage fees. Pack lightly, weight your suitcase before leaving so as to avoid unpleasant surprises, and register checked bags online before heading to the airport--they often give you a break in the fees if you sign up online. If you're not lugging a lot of gifts, go minimalist and fly with just a carry-on.

7. Get Free Upgrades

No harm in trying! If you're bumped on an oversold flight, try to negotiate for an upgrade on your next flight. If you're a frequent flier or club member with the airline you're flying with, you can also try to score an upgrade. Arrive early if you plan to try this: a lot harder to negotiate in a rush.

8. Fly the Day of the Holiday

This little trick can score you a great deal. Most people want to get to their destinations on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, making those flights particularly expensive. The same goes for Christmas. Check out flights the morning of the holiday itself to see if better deals are available--tell any skeptical relative it's better for your budget.

9. Plane, Train, or Automobile

Don't brush off other modes of transportation. Given how expensive airline tickets are, it may actually be cheaper to travel by another means. Crunch the numbers, and compare not only the cost, but the amount of time and ease of each method as well. You may find that driving by car, bus, or train may actually be your best option--especially since, without air traffic delays, you'll be more or less guaranteed to arrive when you intended.

Sandy Hayden

Photo Credit: Jaunted, Arizona Foot Hills, and Mom Aboard.
Content Credit: Real Simple

Shopping Injuries

If you're reading this post, then you survived Black Friday. Congratulations. You either stayed in the house or threw some elbows and held your own. We're very proud. 

Shopping-related injuries (for example: slips and falls, back and neck injuries, etc.) account for thousands of personal injury claims each year in the U.S. Aside from the damage done to your wallet, most people do not consider themselves in any particular danger when shopping for clothing, toys, or electronics. Shopping injuries, however, are more common than you think and sometimes even involve a store owner's failure to keep their premises safe or warn of known hazards. 

Types of Shopping Injuries

It comes as no surprise that the rate of shopping injuries tends to increase during heavy shopping seasons, such as the Christmas season (particularly Black Friday). Here are the typical shopping-related accidents that may occur on a store's property:

• Slip and Falls –as a result of wet floors, torn carpets, poorly lit lighting, and escalator malfunctions


• Head and body injuries - from falling objects, retail displays, out-of-reach objects, or other mishaps


• Shopping cart injuries - falls as a result of a cart tipping over


• Overcrowding injuries – as a result of over-crowding hazards, i.e. trampling (this is the one that generally occurs during the Christmas season)


• Parking lot injuries – as a result of a cracked or improperly designed parking lot, or failure to remove ice or snow

Shop Well

While there is a lot the store manager can and should be doing to prevent these injuries from happening, the responsibility to be safe while shopping is yours. So here are some tips to shop like a pro:

• Dress for it: This means that while those ballet flats are precious, if they don't grip the floor, don't wear them out shopping. Choose shoes that fit well and will not slide if you hit a fleshly mopped patch of tiles. And as for high heels? Sure go for it, but don't file a lawsuit when you break your ankle.


• Eat, Drink, Be Merry: Shopping is a grueling thing. Don't starve yourself or let yourself get dehydrated. Accidents happen when you don't pay attention and when you're hungry or dehydrated, it's difficult to be alert. Bring a light snack or two (depending on how long you'll be out) with PROTEIN (meat, cheese, nuts). Try to drink a bottle of water for every hour and a half you're shopping at minimum.


• Keep your eyes open:  Be alert and keep your eyes peeled. Look for things like wet floor, unsteady displays, shelved items that could fall, or any other danger. If you need an item that is out of reach, ask a sales associate for help. They have ladders and rods to reach high-placed items. It's their job to help.


• No Horseplay, Sorry: I agree. After an hour of shopping, I would like to liven things up with a little in-store game or a shopping cart ride. But as mom always said, "that's how people get hurt" (said immediately after pushing friend down an aisle in a cart, throwing a pizza like a frisbee, tag through the clothing section... you remember). Horseplay is never a great idea indoors, but particularly when a shopping area is crowded, injuries are far more common. It's also highly possible to anger another shopper into a rage that initiates a mob stampede that results in several trampling-related injuries. So maybe stick to a nice conversation or even some Christmas caroling?

Happy Shopping! 

Sandy Hayden

Content Credit: http://injury.findlaw.com/personal-injury/personal-injury-a-z/shopping-injuries.html
Photo Credit: http://www.motifake.com/image/demotivational-poster/0912/black-friday-black-friday-customers-stupid-people-hell-demotivational-poster-1260149039.jpg

Choosing a Tree

The difference between the most wonderful time of the year and a call to SERVPRO can be in the choosing of this year's tree. Christmas trees are involved in approximately 400 fires annually, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These typically result in more than a dozen deaths, dozens of injuries, and more than $10 million in property loss and damage. In short: circuiting tree lights are cited as the leading cause.

Since the holiday season has begun, take a few of safety tips courtesy of the State Fire Marshal's Office on choosing and preparing Christmas trees for decoration that will minimize the risk of fire and injuries.

• If you're buying an artificial tree, it should bear the "Fire Resistant" label. While this type of tree can catch fire, it will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.


• If you're buying a natural tree, buy the freshest you can find. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. The trunk butt is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.


• Watch out for trees with a greenish cast to their trunks and branches; many growers spray trees with green paint to make them look more appealing.


• Cut at least one inch off the trunk's base to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. A tree will absorb as much as a gallon of water or more in the first 24 hours and one or more quarts a day thereafter. A seal of dried sap will form over the cut stump in four to six hours if water drops below the base of the tree, preventing the tree from absorbing water later when the tree stand is refilled. If a seal does form, another fresh cut will need to be made.


• To maximize freshness and minimize fire risk, keep the tree outdoors for a few days in a bucket filled with water before bringing it indoors to decorate. The tree stand should hold at least one gallon of water.


• Because heated rooms dry out natural trees rapidly, keep the stand filled with water; check the water level daily. A six-foot tree will absorb one gallon of water every two days.

Sandy Hayden

Content Credit: http://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/sfmo/fmchoosetree.pdf
Photo Credit: http://favim.com/orig/201108/26/christmas-tree-photography-snow-tree-weather-Favim.com-130939.jpg

Inspecting Holiday Lights

Whether you've been coupon trimming, dethawing, cleaning, or just salivating, I'm willing to bet your sights are on the turkey. But what about the day after? It's a likely bet that the half of you who aren't braving the Black Friday crowds will be home pulling out the garland, the stockings, the creepy singing figurine, and most of all the lights.

Holidays lights certainly make the season brighter, but these romantic little twinkles are actually responsible for one-fifth of the injuries from holiday decorating treated in hospital ER's (according to US Consumer Product Safety Commission--CPSC--reports). If electric shock and fire is not on the menu this season, then I recommend continuing through some basic safety precautions with us. All it takes to examine light sets for possible defects is a few extra moments.

For All Types of Christmas Lights

After ensuring they're unplugged, check the string of lights for frayed insulation, loose connections, and exposed bare wires. Repair (if possible) or discard sets displaying these potential trouble spots.

Check all light sockets and make sure that none of them are broken or cracked. If sockets are damaged, throw the light set away. After examining each set, place it on a non-flammable surface and plug it in for 10-15 minutes before decorating. If the set is not working properly, or if bulbs don't light, repair or discard it. Be sure to unplug the set when decorating.

Do not cover bulbs with decorations not supplied with the set. It may not be designed to handle the increased heating and could melt (potentially exposing live parts).

For Miniature Christmas Lights

When it comes to miniature bulbs, be sure to use bulbs with the same voltage rating (e.g. a 3 volt bulb to replace a 3 volt bulb) to prevent overheating, melting and possible fire. Bulbs are not marked individually with a voltage rating, so save the voltage information on the bulb packaging. It's worth it to prevent the danger resulting from using a bulb the incorrect voltage.

Quickly replace burned out bulbs; the remaining bulbs burn brighter and hotter for each burned out bulb. Light sets with bulbs that burn out rapidly or sets that show signs of melting around bulbs are early indications of defective or incorrect lamps. Do not use these sets.

It's common to tightly wrap or bunch miniature lights together in a cup or pot for special effects. Unless the set is designed or recommended for this use, the heat generated by bunching the lights together may result in melting, which could expose live parts. Christmas lights are created to decorate trees and objects where bulbs are separated and their heat is not concentrated.

For Christmas Light Sets with Standard-Size Bulbs

Examine each light bulb for improper assembly. If the glass readily separates from the bulb's base, the bulb should not be used. Check each bulb for protruding wires from the solder tip at the bulb's base or at the side of the bulb where the glass meets the base. If you find wire protrusions, repair the defect by cutting as much of the protruding wire off as possible. Check each bulb for excessive or irregular solder at the bottom and side of each bulb base, which may prevent complete insertion of the bulb into the socket. Bulbs in this condition should not be used.

Inspect carefully the interior of each light socket. Light sets with standard-size bulbs often have bulb-holders with two metal tabs inside each socket. With the set unplugged, check to see if tabs are used. If they are, there should be a side tab and a center contact at the bottom. If these two metal parts come together when a bulb is inserted, or if these two parts are both upright, a short circuit will occur when the set is used. If you are not sure that the tabs in the socket are correctly located, have a knowledgeable repair person check the set before you use it.

In short, be observant while you get your lights out this year and be sure to test before using them.

Sandy Hayden

Content Credit: Texas.gov
Photo Credit: Christmas Lights Close Up, LED Christmas Light Sets, and Getty Images.