1000 SW Jackson
Suite 230
Topeka, KS 66612-1274
(785) 296-1223
(785) 296-8645 (FAX)

Coordinator:
Jan Stegelman

Executive Committee:
Randall Bolin
NHTSA Region VII

Dennis Cooley, MD
Medical Advisor
American Academy of
Pediatrics, Kansas
Chapter

John Drees
Douglas County
SAFE KIDS Coalition

Vanda Easley
State Farm Insurance
Companies

Jim Keating
Kansas State
Firefighters Association

Elena Nuss
Kansas State
Fire Marshal's Office

Cindy Samuelson
Kansas Hospital Association

Decorate with Care during the Holiday Season

(Topeka, KS) - For many families, decorating is an important part of traditional holiday celebrations. From candles to Christmas trees, creating a festive, safe atmosphere will be the most important preparation of all.

The U.S. Fire Administration estimates that candles will be the source of approximately 1,600 home fires during the holiday season. If improperly maintained or ignored, Christmas trees also pose a potential fire risk. They cause about 200 fires during the holidays every year.

"Whether it's Hanukah, Kwanzaa or Christmas, parents are focused on creating that special holiday experience. But sometimes, when important safety measures are overlooked, parents unknowingly put their children at risk during this season," said Jan Stegelman, Coordinator of Kansas SAFE KIDS. "Decorations are often the biggest culprits. By taking a few simple precautions with Christmas trees, candles and other decorations, parents can help keep holiday celebrations safe for the entire family."

Kansas SAFE KIDS recommends that parents keep safety in mind while decorating their home. Inspecting lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections or sockets is one of the best ways to avoid fires. It's equally important to prevent extension cord overload by using no more than three strings of lights on one cord and never running an electrical cord under carpet.

Parents must also be cautious when selecting a Christmas tree. A fresh pine is less likely to catch fire, and all trees should be kept away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators and heating vents. To prevent an accidental tip-over or electrical burns, parents must always make sure the tree's lights are hung out of the reach of young children. Do not put ornaments that are breakable, have small detachable parts or metal hooks or look like food or candy on the lower branches where small children can reach them.

Holiday candles are another potential danger in the home. Lit candles shouldn't be placed where they can be easily knocked down and should never be used to decorate a Christmas tree. Parents should never leave a burning candle unattended or near flammable objects such as draperies or blankets.

For more information on injury prevention during the holidays and additional child safety matters, visit www.safekids.org

Kansas SAFE KIDS, Inc. is a nonprofit Coalition of 67 statewide organizations and businesses dedicated to preventing unintentional injuries to Kansas children ages 0-14. Local coalitions and chapters are located in Allen, Anderson, Atchison, Clay, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Ford, Franklin, Geary, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Montgomery, Nemaha, Osage, Pottawatomie, Republic, Rice, Saline, Shawnee, Wabaunsee, and Woodson Counties, as well as Chanute, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Norton, Pittsburg, Wichita and the Metro Kansas City Area. Kansas SAFE KIDS is part of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, the first and only national nonprofit organization dedicated solely to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury -- the number one killer of children ages 14 and under.