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Show Follow Simple Safety Rules In Winter The Christmas season could be hazardous if a few simple safety rules are not followed, warn the Utah State Fire Marshal and the Independent Insurance Agents of Utah president, Dale Josephson. During the 1976 holiday season, 2200 injuries caused by accidents with trees, lights, and ornaments were treated in hospital emergency rooms across the nation, according ac-cording to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Utah State Fire Marshal Grant Walker recommends that only the freshest of natural Christmas trees be chosen, these trees should always be placed in water or wet sand, and be removed from the house soon after Christmas. The larger the tree, the bigger the hazard. Candles and natural trees are definitely not compatible. Dangerous fire traps may be created by using discarded Christmas trees for decorating New Year's Eve parties. Lights should never be placed on a metal tree. The tree could become charged and dangerous. Look for the Underwriters' Laboratories label on all lights. Always check for frayed wiring. A hazardous "bonfire" may be created by burning Christmas wrapping in the fireplace, emphasize the Utah State Fire Marshall and the Independent Insurance Agents of Utah. |