Safety tips to make another year count

Candles
• Don't use candles to decorate a tree.
• Don't leave burning candles unattended.
• Do place candles well away from curtains, bedding and other flammable materials.
• Do extinguish tapers when less than two inches tall.
Fireplace
• Do check to see that the flue is open when the fire is lit and the fire is completely out before closing it.
• Don't burn trash or paper, which can float up the chimney and onto the roof or into the yard.
• Do use a fire screen.
• Do use care with "fire salts"which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires: they contain heavy metals, which can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation or vomiting if eaten.
Space heaters
• Do use the proper fuel for liquid-fueled heaters.
• Do ensure the heater is properly vented.
• Do ensure the space heater should bear the label of an independent testing laboratory.
• Don't place articles for drying over space heaters.
Cooking
• Don't leave the kitchen unattended when something is cooking on the stove.
• Do turn pot handles inward to prevent small children from reaching a hot pan.
• Do keep kitchen appliances clean and in good condition.
• Do turn off appliances after use.
• Don't wear long open sleeves or similar loose-fitting clothing when cooking; these can easily be ignited by hot burners.
• Do ensue the kitchen is well-ventilated to help prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide from gas cooking appliances.
Part three in a four-part series of holiday safety tips.