Holiday Safety Christmas Tree Safety: · Start with a fresh tree Cut one yourself or, if buying from a lot, select a deep-green tree with flexible needles. Grab the branches, if the needles fall off in your hands, the tree is too dry. · Make a fresh cut Upon getting home, cut 1/2" off the trunk and immediately place in water. Once the tree is placed in a stand and in your home, continue to Water DAILY. Most trees consume between a quart and a gallon of water each day. · Use your decorations carefully Decorate your tree with UL-approved, miniature lights which produce less heat. Don't overload electrical sockets and always unplug lights before going to bed or leaving your home. · Recycle your tree properly Periodically check your tree for freshness by grabbing the branches. If the needles fall off in your hand, your tree is dry and should be disposed of soon. When it's time to dispose of your tree, NEVER burn it in a fireplace. The combination of oil, pitch and dry branches can ignite within seconds, sending sparks and flames into a room. Candles in your home · Place your candles in a non flammable, well-supported base. · Keep candles away from flammable decorations such as evergreen boughs, gift wrap and Christmas stockings. · Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish them before leaving the house or going to bed. Also, keep in mind that pets, especially cats, have been known to knock over candles. Gift Wrapping and Boxes · Make sure that wrapped packages are kept away from fireplaces and woodstoves. · Discard boxes and wrapping paper in a garbage container or recycle if possible. Do not burn large quantities of wrapping paper in a fireplace. Drinking and Driving · For guests If you plan to drink appoint a designated driver! There is no safe level of alcohol for drivers because everyone reacts differently to alcohol on different occasions. Nothing sobers up a person immediately. It takes the human body approximately two hours to metabolize each ounce of alcohol. Do not ride with drivers who have been drinking. And make sure to include food in your celebration - eating slows alcohol's effect on the body. · For hosts: Do not let someone who has been drinking drive. Arrange for him or her to sleep in your home or to ride with a sober driver. Provide your guests with a variety of food, as well as non-alcoholic beverages.Never serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Alcohol-related car crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year-olds. Appoint a bartender to monitor guests' drinking and do not serve alcohol to an intoxicated guest. Choose fuit juices instead of carbonated mixers. Carbonation speeds alcohol absorption.