DLSC encourages 12 Days of Christmas Safety

During the days leading up to Christmas, the Danville Life Saving Crew has used the lyrics to a popular tune by encouraging 12 days of Christmas safety. Between 2004 and 2008, an estimated 1,170 house fires began each year due to Christmas decorations.* These fires caused an average of 8 deaths, 54 injuries and $19.1 million in property damage.* Decorated Christmas trees also cause twice the injuries and 5 times more fatalities per fire.*

Due to the overwhelming statistics of Christmas decoration related incidents, DLSC encourages the community to follow simple safety tips to stay safe during the holiday season. Below are the tips for DLSC's 12 Days of Christmas:

1. On the 1st day of Christmas Safety, DLSC encourages you to keep potentially poisonous plants away from children and pets. Potentially poisonous plants include holly, mistletoe and poinsettias.

2. On the 2nd day of Christmas Safety, DLSC encourages you to make sure the toys you have purchased have not been recalled. If a toy has been recalled, it is likely a hazard to your child.

3. On the 3rd day of Christmas Safety, DLSC encourages you to not overload electrical circuits or extension cords. An overload will cause the circuit breakers or fuses to automatically shut off and could create a fire hazard.

4. On the 4th day of Christmas Safety, DLSC encourages you to keep a clean kitchen to prevent food borne illnesses. When preparing food, be sure to wash hands, utensils, sink, dishes and anything else that touches raw meet.

5. On the 5th day of Christmas Safety, DLSC encourages you to stay safe while decorating the roof. Before decorating the roof, be sure that your ladder is sturdy and in good shape. Place the ladder on hard, level ground. Never put a ladder on ice and always watch out for overhead wires.

6. On the 6th day of Christmas Safety, DLSC encourages you to never leave food unattended while cooking. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a kitchen fire.

7. On the 7th day of Christmas Safety, DLSC encourages you to keep your travel plans off of social media before you leave. Don't broadcast that your home is empty because this may lead to a break-in or vandalism.

8. On the 8th day of Christmas Safety, DLSC encourages you to use turkey fryers with caution. Turkey fryers should be at least 10 feet away from the house on level ground. Use a thawed and dry turkey, never frozen. If oil spills from the fryer onto the burner, it may cause a fire.

9. On the 9th day of Christmas Safety, DLSC encourages you to keep sidewalks and steps clear of snow and ice to prevent slips and falls. While shoveling snow, take frequent breaks in warm areas to prevent exhaustion, frostbite, dehydration, back injuries or a heart attack from the strenuous work.

10. On the 10th day of Christmas Safety, DLSC encourages you to have an emergency kit in your vehicle if you plan to travel this holiday season. You should include jumper cables, flashlights, water, dry foods, blankets and simple medical supplies.

11. On the 11th day of Christmas Safety, DLSC encourages you to not drink and drive. You should always have a designated driver if you plan to drink alcohol. Do not put yourself or others in danger by drinking and driving.

12. On the 12th Day of Christmas Safety, DLSC encourages you to not burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace. Dry needles can cause a flash fire and sparks to fly up the chimney. Tree sap could also cause an explosion.

For more 12 Days of Christmas Safety graphics, visit DLSC's Facebook or Twitter.