While Fullerton's firefighters will be on the job Thanksgiving Day, they are reminding residents to be extra careful when preparing their holiday feast as nearly 50 percent of all house fires across the nation start in the kitchen.
Preparing the Thanksgiving meal is often a group project, with many people in the kitchen helping with the chores. And where there's a crowd there's noisy chatter and confusion, and that adds up to a greater chance for an accident to occur.
In an effort to ensure all citizens have a happy and safe Turkey Day, Fullerton's firefighters offer the following kitchen safety tips:
As a final recommendation, be sure they have smoke detectors in their homes, as well as an ABC-rated home fire extinguisher for their kitchen.
Further holiday safety and year-round fire prevention tips may be obtained by calling the Fullerton Fire Department at (714) 738-6500.
Busy shoppers, brightly decorated homes and family get-togethers are all signs that point to the fact the holiday season is upon us. But it's the other "signs" of the holiday season that concern firefighters: homes burned and families devastated by fire caused by some of the very features which make this time so special.
The holidays can be one of the loveliest times of the year. Yet, too often they can turn to tragedy when someone forgets to take a few extra minutes for safety's sake. The stories have an all-too-familiar ring: a frayed light cord or candle left unattended sets holiday decorations ablaze, causing thousands of dollars in damage. The really sad thing is these incidents could have been prevented if citizens had just taken a little time to think about safety when decorating their homes for the holidays.
Making a home fire-safe during the holidays (and all year round) is not hard. All it takes is a little common sense. For example, don't set your Christmas tree next to a fireplace, and don't overload extension cords with light strings. It may mean more work on your part, but that little extra time and effort can keep your family, friends and home safe from the tragedy of fire.
To help you and your family have a safe and happy holiday, the fire chief offers the following tips:
And, the fire chief has one last gift suggestion: Buy a smoke detector. It could save your family's life.
Further fire prevention tips and information about smoke detectors may be obtained by calling the Fire Prevention Division of the Fullerton Fire Department at (714) 738-6500.
Celebrate Responsibly
Holidays can be a time of celebration and revelry. Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone on the road. Remember that the risk isn't worth it; if you choose to drink alcohol at a party, don't drive. Take a cab, use public transportation or a designated driver. Have fun, but remember to celebrate responsibly.
If You Are Traveling
This holiday season don't let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars, muggers, and pickpockets a better chance to do their dirty work. Crooks love the holidays as much as everyone else, especially because it's an opportune time for crime.
Here are some tips from the Fullerton Police Department on how to celebrate safely this holiday season:
If You Are Out for the Evening
If You Are Traveling
If You Are Shopping
Protect Your Vehicle
If a Stranger Comes to the Door
Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts. And it's not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of others' generosity during the holidays by going door-to-door for charitable donations when there is no charity involved. Ask for identification, and find out how the funds will be used. If you aren't satisfied, don't give. Help a charitable organization you know and like instead.
After you've opened the Gifts
Burglars know that many households have new, and oftentimes expensive, items in their homes following the December holidays especially items such as new computers and peripherals, stereo components, televisions, cameras and other electronic equipment. In too many cases, residents make it easy for burglars to figure out which homes to target by putting boxes that identify their new gifts in plain view with their other garbage.
Avoid becoming an easy target for post-holiday burglars by not leaving boxes for new electronics and other items in the alley or other garbage pick-up locations for several days at a time. Instead, break down any boxes you are throwing out, put them in garbage bags and place them inside a trash can. (In many cases, especially with computer equipment, you might consider keeping the boxes for safe storage, shipping or moving in the future.) Think about keeping broken-down boxes inside - in a garage, for example - until the evening before your regular garbage pick-up. Some burglars actually look inside garbage cans for evidence of holiday gifts.
And, of course, if you see someone suspicious casing your alley, call the Fullerton Police Department's non-emergency number, (714) 738-6700. If you see a burglary in progress, call 911.
Take a Holiday Inventory
The holidays are a good time to update - or create - your home inventory. Take photos or make videos of items, and list descriptions and serial numbers. If your home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file.
Make sure things like TVs, VCRs, stereo equipment, cameras, camcorders, sports equipment, jewelry, silver, computers, home office equipment, and power tools are on the list. Remember to check it twice!
Celebrate Responsibly
The holiday season is a time of celebration and revelry. Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone on the road. Remember that the risk isn't worth it if you choose to drink alcohol at a party, don't drive. Take a cab, use public transportation or a designated driver. Have fun, but remember to celebrate responsibly.
Business Holiday Safety
With increased holiday sales, businesses run the risk of becoming the target of robber, but there are steps owners can take to protect themselves and their employees as well as minimize losses.
- Keep all doors that are not used by the public locked
- Light is the best deterrent to crime, so make sure parking lots, alleys and walkways are well lit.
- Position cash registers so they are visible from the street, and do not place signs or displays near windows which can block that visibility.
Further Holiday crime prevention information may be obtained by calling the Community Services Bureau of the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6836.