American Red Cross Health And Safety Expert Offers Safety Tips For The Holiday Season

December 10, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C. (American Red Cross) -- As temperatures fall and visions of sugarplums dance in the heads of many, the American Red Cross urges families not to take a "holiday" from safety. Christmas trees and candles, symbols of the joyous season, can also prove dangerous, and supplemental home heating equipment such as space heaters are a major cause of fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a home fire is reported to a fire department in the United States every 1½ minutes, and someone dies in a home fire every 2 ½ hours. In addition, cold weather is a contributor to seasonal emergencies because it can cause illnesses such as frostbite and hypothermia.

"Many of the fires and cold weather-related emergencies that occur during this time of the year can be avoided," says Connie Harvey, Red Cross national health and safety expert. "As always with emergencies such as these, prevention and preparedness are key."

Harvey offers the following tips to help keep families safe this season:

·     Dress appropriately before going outdoors. "The air temperature does not have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. Wind speed can create dangerously cold conditions even when the temperature is not that low," she points out.

·     Recognize the symptoms of cold weather illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite. Symptoms of hypothermia include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Warning signs of frostbite include gray, white or yellow skin discoloration. "Both are serious, so if any of these conditions are present, seek medical attention immediately," Harvey says.

·     Keep Christmas trees fresh. Place your tree away from heat sources and exits; water it daily. Make sure your artificial tree is fire-retardant.

·     Decorate only with flame-retardant or non-combustible materials. Avoid using candles during parties. Check ashtrays, upholstery and trash cans for smoldering cigarette butts after any holiday party.

·     Inspect fireplaces and wood stoves. Have your chimney connections and flues inspected by a professional and cleaned if necessary prior to the start of the heating season. "Burn only wood-never burn paper, including discarded gift wrap, or pine boughs, and if you plan to hang stockings on your fireplace, do not use the fireplace for fires," cautions Harvey.

·     Be sure your car is prepared. "Before hitting the road, let someone know your route, final destination and expected arrival time," says Harvey. It is also a good idea to have a disaster supplies kit for the car that includes: a flashlight with fresh batteries, battery-powered radio and extra batteries, blankets or sleeping bags, booster cables, a fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type), bottled water and non-perishable high-energy foods (granola bars, raisins and peanut butter) compass, road maps, shovel, tire repair kit and pump, flares, extra clothing, a sack of sand or cat litter (for tire traction), tow rope, knife and first aid kit with a manual.

·     Enroll in a first aid, CPR and AED 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, CPR or AED course, contact your local American Red Cross.

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