New Years Safety

New Years is a holiday that's filled with entertainment, parties, and excitement. However, far too often, the New Years holiday takes a tragic turn because of poor decisions. Here are some safety precautions that you should consider while ringing in the New Year.

• If you're going to drink on New Years Eve, make sure you designate a sober driver, or use a cab or free ride service, and never drive while intoxicated. Driving intoxicated not only puts you in danger, but it also puts everyone around you in danger.

• If you're headed out to a bar or club, only carry small amounts of cash, and only carry what you need. Don't bring extra credit cards and money you won't need.

• Most people don't think about their homes during new years but burglars often use the holidays as an opportunity to break in. Some quick tips to help deter burglars are to leave a couple of lights on, ask neighbors to keep an eye out for anyone suspicious, and make sure to lock all windows and doors.

Remember, a safe end to 2011 is the best way to start 2012. Happy New Years!!!

Thank you,

Central Alexander/Taylorsville Fire Department

Christmas Safety

Here a few holiday tips to ensure that you and your family have a safe Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame
  resistant or flame retardant.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some
  lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb
  connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum
  of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of
  LED strands to connect.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials
  with them so young children do not touch them.
• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water
  before discarding.

Wishing you and your family a safe and blessed Christmas, and a prosperous New Year!!!

Thank you,

Central Alexander/Taylorsville Fire Department