Safety tips for the holidays
WHO PRACTICE LANDLORD/TENANT LAW AND OTHER AREAS OF LAW Q: I looked last Saturday for your holiday safety tips and did not see them. Can I expect to see them this year? A: Here they are.
SAFETY TIPS FROM THE POLICE:
1. When shopping, make sure that you lock your vehicle.
2. Place parcels in the trunk or minimize the bags that can be seen.
3. Keep track of your debit and credit cards. Always protect your PIN number. 4. Take note of where you parked and the door you entered from, so when you leave, you are not walking around with a large number of items, attracting unnecessary attention.
5. Do not throw out your “big ticket” boxes all at once. Cut the boxes up and fold them inside out to hide the original content pictures.
6. Beware of scams that try to take advantage of the holidays.
CHRISTMAS TREES
If you buy a real Christmas tree, get one that is freshly cut. Choose a tree with a rich green colour, a fresh smell and sticky resin on the trunk. You can test
a tree's freshness by tapping the base of the tree on the ground to
see if the needles remain intact. When you get home, the Christmas tree should be placed in a stand that holds two to three litres of water. Top up the water daily. Do not set the tree up near a heat source like a radiator or fireplace.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Make sure you inspect your Christmas lights for broken or frayed strings before putting them up. Metallic ornaments can become a shock hazard if they make contact with defective wiring.
Ensure you are using the right lights. Indoor lights should not be used outdoors because they lack weatherproof connections. Some outdoor lights can burn too hot indoors. Most importantly,
turn off all tree and display lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
CANDLES
Do not put real candles on the tree. If you plan to use real candles elsewhere, be extremely careful about where you place them to prevent something flammable (such as clothing) from coming into contact with the flame, and to prevent the candles from being knocked over.
It's best to avoid real candles altogether. Using flameless candles is a great safety alternative that will give you peace of mind this holiday season. Flameless candles are about the same price as real candles and can be purchased in a variety of sizes, colours and designs, like lanterns.
If you insist on using real candles, then at least refrain from using them at parties when alcohol will be served. After a few drinks, people can easily lose their balance and knock over a candle, or brush against a candle, with disastrous results for them and for you as the occupant.
ELECTRICAL
Do not overload electrical outlets by bunching up extension cords. Run them around the edge
of a room, not under rugs.
SMOKE DETECTORS
Ensure your smoke detectors work on each floor. Stay safe and enjoy a happy holiday season!