Christmas Tree Safety Tips

Tree lights

• Only use indoor lights indoors (and outdoor lights only outdoors). Look for the UL label. Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Replace or repair any damaged light sets.

• Also, use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Extension cords should be placed against the wall to avoid tripping hazards, but do not run cords under rugs.

• Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.

Tree ornaments

• Always use the proper step stool or ladder to reach high places.

• Read labels before you use materials that come in jars, cans and spray cans.

• Never place lighted candles on a tree or near any flammable materials.

• Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them.

• Do not hang popcorn chains and candy canes on the tree when small children are present. They may think that other tree ornaments are also edible.

Halloween Safety Tips

Safety Tips for Motorists

• All motorists need to be especially alert and cautious when driving on Halloween because of the high number of pedestrians walking the streets.
• Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs

Trick-or-Treating

• Most importantly, all children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult, but before trick-or-treating, parents should:
• Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home.
• Teach your children to never enter a stranger’s home.
• Agree on a specific time for your children to come home.

Costumes

• When making or purchasing Halloween costumes, follow these safety precautions to ensure your children remain safe while looking great:
• All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.
• Masks can limit or block eyesight, so consider non-toxic makeup or decorative hats as safer alternatives.
• Children should only wear well-fitting costumes and shoes to avoid trips and falls.

Fireworks Safety for Upcoming Holiday Celebrations

• Always purchase fireworks from a reliable source.
• Use fireworks as directed on consumer product safety label; never alter products.
• Observe local laws and use good COMMON SENSE.
• Have a designated shooter to organize and shoot your family show.
• A responsible ADULT should supervise all firework activities.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.   Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; AWAY from buildings and vehicles.
• NEVER carry fireworks in your POCKET.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.

Chikungunya Virus Infection

Prevention

-         No vaccine exists to prevent chikungunya virus infection or disease.

-          Prevent chikungunya virus infection by avoiding mosquito bites (see below).

-          The mosquitoes that spread the chikungunya virus bite mostly during the daytime.

Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites

-        Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.  If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, sleep under a mosquito bed net.

-        Help reduce the number of mosquitoes outside your home or hotel room by emptying standing water from containers such as flowerpots or buckets.

-        When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

-        Use insect repellents

o   Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide long lasting protection.

o   If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent.

o   Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing.

o   Treat clothing with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated clothing.

o   Always follow the label instructions when using insect repellent or sunscreen.

If you have chikungunya, follow these instructions:

-        During the first week of infection, chikungunya virus can be found in the blood and passed from an infected person to another mosquito through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then transmit the virus to other people.

-        To prevent further spread of the virus, it is important for people to avoid mosquito bites during the first week of illness.