Soft ' v lips Help In Christmas Decorating Hy Marilju R. Manson Kxtcnsirtn Homo Economist 'Deck your Kills' srfely this holiday season Follow simple safety precau'ums for your protection during J ho Yulolide. Do not i i !y on chemical coatings or sprays to m.-tk-your Hve ev-rionn fane resistant. Select, as i ; .-.h a Chn.i mas tree as possibi ?( is much less likely to cal in -o tha" one already drying out. Two tests for freshness: The stump (eels moist and -.ippy and the needles are kible Fresh trees are de- t:reen in ooloV and have a -f.MH', soert ni pine. When you (;ot ihe tree home, cut off an inch ur two at the hot torn of the h ur.k to allow it to soak up water more easily: and always keep wie stand filled with water Heated rooms dry trees out rnpi'y and a dry tree is a t"e haarri. - PlaCO th" n ee in a location away froi-: fireplaces, radiators. t other heat sources. Artificial trees should bear the UL label. Hang fragile ornaments at the top of the tree, out of the reach of younf.' dvilrcn. Candy canes and lollu khs '"i '' "e kept csjower bi aru-ins. Don't purchaet ornaments that resemble candy or loods. A small child may try to eat them -- Use only lights that havi the UL. label on them. These have been tested for safety. Use no more than :t sets ol 1!hts per single extension. neck each set of lights for I rayed or exposed wires, and repav any worn arras with 'iTf-icnl tape. Always tuin off lights on trees and other decorations when you retire or leave your home Short circuits can cause i ires. Neve r burn candles near evrrgi 4 .i- on a mantlepiece or table. Always use non-fiammai ie Holders and keep candles a-vay from other de oralii'Pf- BuHiiii! evergreens in the fireplace can be hazardous. When dry. greens burn like tinder. - Ne er use indoor lights for outdoor use Outdoor lights should br labeled as :uch "For Outdoor I'se". Be cauhous with "fire salts' which produce colored Haines. They contain heavy metals and cause serious hazards u eaten Keep away from chilt!r"s - - Take sp"eial precautions wfcen disposing of Christmas wrappings Place in a metal container and don't burn wrappings in a hreplaee where a flash fire may be started.