THE WESTERN CANADIAN LUMBER WORKER tN tail ak ae. OAs tee em am By ANDY SMITH Regional Safety Director Christmas comes but once a year. For some, that’s not enough, for others it’s too often. But, as a popular song goes, there’s no Christmas like a home Christmas. We all know it’s true and it’s a happy fact. On the other hand, there’s no Christmas like a Christmas spoiled, perhaps tragically, by a home accident. That’s what safety professionals say and we all know this is true, too. But the sad fact is that not enough of us take it seriously, nor do we give it sufficient thought and action in our - own lives. § If you sit and count to a thousand slowly, the worst _ that will happen to you is _ that you will get bored and bit breathless. GRIEF You are lucky, for during that same average 18 minutes wil uffered dis- about their own homes, bringing not only pain and grief , but also : financial hardship to their amilies. The National Safety Coun- cil and other organizations work constructively, energet- shadows and lighten the load of the home accidents in family life. People go on killing and _ maiming themselves and mar- _ ring and scarring their lives _ through the simnvle acts of _ thoughtlessness and careless- ness and rash haste, so never _ mind counting to a thousand to measure the accident sta- tistics. Just count to ten, and _ then ee from accident- acts As a matter of fact, right now during the season of Christmas crescendo, is an es- pecially good time to start a serious countdown to the launching of a new and in- tensified family policy for home safety. Now is a good ‘to do something about prevention, because now is a bad time for acci- dents. hivind are more likely to en in December than any a and, when they hit hard, right at the ’ cer eaily enjoyment and E Now is the time for a five- point countdown to Yuletime . Instead of just follow- oon COUNTDOWN FOR CHRISTMAS SAFETY ing the Christmas cliches and counting the shopping days left, make it a countdown for holiday home safety rules. Start with five — the Christmas tree. If yours is one of the many families to whom this holiday is not complete without a tree, make it a real diligent effort to see that the brightness comes only from lights and eyes and hearts, not from’ accidental fire. TREES First of all, be sure to ob- tain a fresh tree a few days before Christmas. Test it to see if the needles may be dried out and already falling. Cut the trunk off diagonally, alittle above the original cut. Keep in water or wet dirt or sand until used. Use a stand that contains water and keep it filled. Make sure the tree is not located near a fireplace, radiator, stove, television Set, or any other source of heat. Never block any exits by placing a tree in the line of traffic. Remember these same rules if you assist in decorating a church, school, or assembly room. ‘Use only lights and wiring with the Underwriters’ Laboratories label. Make sure that extension cords, if used do not present a tripping hazard. Never overload a cir- cuit by having too many plugs in one outlet. Check lighting sets from previous years for frayed wires, loose connec- tions and broken sockets. LIGHTS Many tragic fires start when there is no one at home © or when the family is in bed. i do not too long a period of time and always turn them off when you retire for the night. Candles should never be used on your tree. Angel hair and snow spray can be in- flammable if they are used together in decorations. You may use one on a tree, but never both. Electric lights should not be used on a metal tree because of the danger of electrocution. Glass, metal, or non-combustible materials are safest for decorations. If you use cotton batting or a sheet under the tree, or paper and cloth for costuming of children, treat these ma- terials to make them fire- resistant. Mix a solution of ‘FLY B.C. AIR LINES’ nine ounces of borax and 4 ounces of boracic acid powder in one gallon of water. Dip the fabric in the solution, wring by hand, and hang to dry. Don’t smoke near the tree, and be sure those cigaret butts are disposed of safely. Finally, take the tree down when the needles start to fall. A dry tree can burn away in less than 27 seconds. What if a fire should break out suddenly in your home? Would your family members know what they should do? Take time to discuss this with them. Figure out a planned - escape procedure in case of fire and run through this pro- eedure for practice. The time ey may save exiting from a pane building eeuld save their lives. Four — toys, naturally. _There’s no Christmas like a child’s Christmas, and _ it’s worth the parents most ear- nest safeguarding in shopping and in training for use. Check toys before you pur- chase them to make sure that they are safely constructed. Edges of toys should be smooth, and all parts secure- ly attached. Baby toys should be too large to put into the mouth, nose or eyes. Simple toys are best for a toddler be- cause they may swallow small parts which break off. If you purchase a doll or stuffed ani- mal with eyes that come out easily, remove these eyes and embroider new ones in their place. Toys such as BB guns, slingshots, blank pistols, knives, darts, and bows and arrows, can cause severe in- jury. Be particular in select- ing toys that are proper for the sex and age of your chil- dren. Some gifts should be accompanied by strict en- forcement of safety rules and proper instructions when they are used. Avoid all flamable toys, all electric toys should have a UL label. Remember that mechanical, electrical and chemical toys that develop skill and knowl- edge in older children can be hazardous in the hands of a young chi Three — consideration to- wards others. Thoughtfulness applied to others’ welfare can help make this season’s good- will a year round matter. In the matter of gifts, why not consider something like built-in protectiveness — a home fire extinguisher, non- skid -rugs, bathroom safety devices, flashlights or flares, or seat belts for the family ar. If you need a babysitter for your holiday gadding, be sure the sitter fully understands her responsibility and knows what to do in an emergency. s For Christmas u THE SAME HEARTY OLD TOAST... ANDY SMITH No matter how many chil- dren are attracted into the kitchen by the aroma of cook- ing, keep them out during the cooking operations. SLIPS Two — winter weather which can add zest and charm to the Christmas spirit, or bring trouble and misery to the body. Don’t slip up on your responsibility to protect the goings and comings of your visitors and your own family. Keep all the outside pathways and steps cleared or sanded over for more se- cure walking, but remember also that snow shovelling is a strenuous workout for the heart and lungs, so don’t overdo it. (See YULE — Page 6) ZN Pee U hee Uae Dee I NES DE De