As we approach the Holiday season, we must be aware of the fire hazards that can happen.  While most homes prefer the "live" tree, we must be extra careful to assure that the tree does not dry out.  When purchasing a tree from a lot. Check the needles , by taking your hand and  grasphing the needles between your fist. Run you hand up the limb, if the needles come off in your hand, the tree is not fresh.  The second step is to take a limb and bend the limb, if the limb does not break the tree is fresh.  After  bringing your tree home make sure that you check the water daily.   Before decorating check all of the lights for breaks or shorts.   If you find any DO NOT USE.  
  Make sure your smoke dectectors have new batteries and are in working condition. Replace the dectectors as necessary.   
  In 2009 fire departments responded to 377,000  house fires in the United States in which 2,765 people lost their lives.   Most of these could have been prevented, if the homes had working smoke alarms and evacuation plans.   
 Does your family know how to evacuate your home should there be a fire?  Do you have a meeting place? Do you practice drills, so your family knows exactly what to do?  If you answered no to the above questions, please take the time to sit down with them and make a plan. A few minutes of your time, can save your families life.   

Please feel frree to leave comments about this blog. Happy and Safe Holidays from East-West Safety.