Auto Club: Reduce Threat of Holiday Home Disasters.News Editors/Lifestyle Editors LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 9, 2003 Fires during the holiday season injure To interfere with the legally protected interest of another or to inflict harm on someone, for which an action may be brought. To damage or impair. The term injure is comprehensive and can apply to an injury to a person or property. Cross-references Tort Law. about 2,000 people and cause more than $500 million in damage annually, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. federal safety statistics. The Automobile Club of Southern California's affiliated Interinsurance Exchange says common-sense precautions and planning can help families stay safe during the winter holidays. "Many holiday fires are ignited ig·nite v. ig·nit·ed, ig·nit·ing, ig·nites v.tr. 1. a. To cause to burn. b. To set fire to. 2. To subject to great heat, especially to make luminous by heat. by dry Christmas trees Christmas tree Evergreen tree, usually decorated with lights and ornaments, to celebrate the Christmas season. The use of evergreen trees, wreaths, and garlands as symbols of eternal life was common among the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews. , faulty lighting and flammable flam·ma·ble adj. Easily ignited and capable of burning rapidly; inflammable. [From Latin flamm decorations," said Cortland Ray, vice president of insurance claims. "By purchasing a fresh tree, keeping it moist and keeping flammable decorations away from heat sources, homeowners can keep their families safer." To help Southern Californians reduce the risk of fire or damage in the home during winter holidays, the Interinsurance Exchange has provided the following tips recommendations: Selecting a Tree -- Select a fresh tree. Needles should be pliable and hold firm to the tree. Shake the tree or bounce the trunk on the ground to see if the needles fall off. -- Cut a few inches off the bottom of the tree trunk to help it absorb water. -- Place it in a sturdy stand away from heat sources (e.g., radiators, fireplaces, candles, heaters and vents). -- Water it regularly, keeping the water level at least 2 inches above the cut. Decorating the Tree -- Use only lights that have been designated for indoor use and follow manufacturer recommendations for the number of strings of lights that can be strung together. -- Before placing on the tree, check lights for worn or broken wires, broken bulbs, and loose connections. If they are not in good working order, throw them away. -- Do not overload electrical outlets. -- Unplug tree lights when you are not home and while sleeping. Fireplace -- Do not hang or place flammable decorations around the fireplace when in use. -- Have a good screen in front of your fireplace that is sturdy and covers the entire opening. Some screens with age do not properly close and leave gaps where sparks can escape. -- Do not discard wrapping paper Noun 1. wrapping paper - a tough paper used for wrapping kraft, kraft paper - strong wrapping paper made from pulp processed with a sulfur solution butcher paper - a strong wrapping paper that resists penetration by blood or meat fluids in the fireplace, as it can ignite rapidly and burn intensely. Holiday Plants Many holiday plants are toxic. Mistletoe mistletoe, common name for the Loranthaceae, a family of chiefly tropical hemiparasitic herbs and shrubs with leathery evergreen leaves and waxy white berries. They have green leaves, but they manufacture only part of the nutrients they require. , holly berries, and Christmas cactus cactus, any plant of the family Cactaceae, a large group of succulents found almost entirely in the New World. A cactus plant is conspicuous for its fleshy green stem, which performs the functions of leaves (commonly insignificant or absent), and for the spines (not are poisonous if swallowed. Poinsettias can cause stomach irritation in humans and make pets very sick. Candles -- Place candles in a stable container and do not leave them unattended. -- Keep candles away from drapes drape v. draped, drap·ing, drapes v.tr. 1. To cover, dress, or hang with or as if with cloth in loose folds: draped the coffin with a flag; a robe that draped her figure. and other decorations. -- Keep them in a location where they can not be knocked down or blown over. For additional tips on holiday safety, visit www.aaa-calif.com/insurance/hometips. |
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