Have a happy, safe holiday

Southern Living, Dec 1995 by Joyner, Louis

Have a Happy, Safe Holiday

December is a time of joyous celebrations, but it can also be a dangerous time. It's when we build roaring fires, decorate the home with greenery and candles, and put our home heating system to full use. Care and caution can help keep your home and family safe over the holidays and through the winter.

Coping with CO

Carbon monoxide (chemical symbol CO) is a colorless, odorless gas. It is a by-product of combustion where there is not enough oxygen available. Carbon monoxide can be formed in natural gas-, oil-, or propane-fueled home heating systems, and in wood-burning fireplaces. I can even form in gas ovens and cooktops, as well as in charcoal grills. Automobile exhaust gases also contain carbon monoxide.

A low level of carbon monoxide can cause flu-like symptoms. At slightly higher levels it causes headaches and nausea. Even higher levels can result in respiratory failure, convulsions, coma, and death.

One of the most important things you can do to protect your family against carbon-monoxide poisoning is to install a carbon-monoxide detector. Similar in size to a smoke alarm, the CO detector can sense an unsafe level of carbon monoxide and sound a warning. Both plug-in and battery-powered models are available at hardware and home-center stores for $30 to $50. Be sure to look for a brand that carries the Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Standard 2034 listing. Install a detector near each sleeping area.

Here are some other suggestions that can help reduce the danger of carbon-monoxide poisoning in your home.

* Have your home heating system professionally checked at least once a year.

* Never use a charcoal grill indoors.

* Always be sure you open the garage door before starting your car.

* Carefully read and follow the manufacturer's instructions when using kerosene space heaters.

Fireplace Safety

* Have your fireplace and chimney checked annually by a professional chimney sweep. He or she should check for any structural damage and make sure the chimney and flue are clean and free of obstructions.

* Install a chimney cap to keep birds, insects, and small animals from nesting in the chimney. A cap will also help protect the chimney from rain, which can lead to splintering and cracking of the brick.

* Burn only hardwoods to prevent an excessive build-up of creosote in the flue that could cause a chimney fire. Never burn pressure-treated or painted wood.

* Never burn wrapping paper, cardboard, magazines, or any other colored paper in the fireplace.

* Always use a fireplace screen or glass doors to keep hot embers from popping out onto the floor.

* Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using ready-made logs in your fireplace.

* Do not leave fires unattended.

* Make sure ashes are cold before cleaning out the firebox. To be on the safe side, always dispose of ashes in a closed metal container placed outside the home.

* Remember, a fireplace is not a toy. Do not allow small children to play with fire or near the fireplace.

Change the Batteries

* Your home's smoke detector is your family's early warning system against fire. It won't put the fire out, but it will warn you in time to get out before the smoke overcomes you.

* It only takes a few minutes to change the batteries, so go do it right now.

* Got that done? Good] Now you can finish reading the magazine in peace.

Keep It Green

* Make sure your cut Christmas tree is well watered so the branches won't dry out. Limit the time you keep the tree up. (Thanksgiving to New Year's is too long.) If you simply have to have a tree up all month, place it on a porch or other unheated space to minimize drying.

* Keep the tree away from the fireplace, heating outlets, and other heat sources.

* Make sure that the Christmas tree is securely anchored in a sturdy tree stand so it won't tip over.

* Before decorating the tree, check that all lights are working. Look for frayed or broken wires or damaged bulbs and plugs. Never connect more lights than the manufacturer recommends.

* Always unplug the tree lights at bedtime or when you'll be away from home.

* Don't even think about using candles on a Christmas tree.

* Candles should only be used in proper containers, such as votive cups or hurricane lamps. Do not allow the tree's greenery to come in contact with the candle or to be above the flame.