Brief News Items for Your Local Newspapers

Placement Tip

Provide these news fillers to your local news editors now, so they’ll have them on hand to run when they have an unexpected opening later. These help you keep your department and your priority safety messages top of mind in your community.

Customize them by filling in the blanks with your local information, add your contact information at the top and send them on to the news editor.

Holiday Safety News Items

Print on Your Department’s Letterhead

For more information, contact: (Your PIO’s Name and Telephone Number)

Use a Ladder to Make Holiday Decorating Easier and Less Risky

Year round, falls are the leading cause of unintentional home injury deaths, according to the nonprofit Home Safety Council. The (Your Fire Department) says (Your Town/City) residents can reduce their risk of fall injuries when decorating for the holidays by using a safety ladder to climb. Never climb on chairs and furniture, which can tip under your weight. Learn more about ladder safety by downloading a free holiday safety guide at www.homesafetycouncil.org.

Ladder Safety Tips for Holiday Decorating

The (Your Fire Department) reminds residents to climb safely when decorating indoors and out this holiday season. Follow these smart tips for ladder safety from the nonprofit Home Safety Council:

• Before using a ladder outdoors, choose a location that is well away from all power lines. Coming in contact with live wires can be fatal.
• Place the ladder on level ground and open it completely, making sure all locks are engaged.
• Use the 4-to-1 rule for extension ladders: for each 4 feet of distance between the ground and the upper point of contact (such as the wall or roof), move the base of the ladder out 1 foot.
• Always face the ladder when climbing and wear slip-resistant shoes, such as those with rubber soles.
• Keep your body centered on the ladder and gauge your safety by your belt buckle. If your buckle passes beyond the ladder rail, you are overreaching and at risk for falling.
• Make sure rungs are dry before using the ladder.
• Stand at or below the highest safe standing level on a ladder. For a stepladder, the safe standing level is the second rung from the top, and for an extension ladder, it's the fourth rung from the top.

To learn more about preventing home injuries during the holidays, visit the Home Safety Council at www.homesafetycouncil.org.

Smart Ideas for Safer Candle Displays

Home candle fires are on the rise. The (Your Fire Department) warns families to use caution with holiday candles to avoid fires and burn injuries. The nonprofit Home Safety Council recommends against giving candles as gifts to youth and young teens, and offers these tips for adults:

• Never leave burning candles unattended, even for a minute.
• Blow out all candles before going to sleep or leaving a room.
• Candles should only be used when an adult is present and awake.
• Keep lighted candles at least three feet away from Christmas trees, all decorations, and anything else that can burn.
• Never use lighted candles on a Christmas tree.
• Burn candles only in stable, non-combustible holders; hurricane-style candle holders are a good bet.
• Place candles where they won’t tip or be knocked over; never place candles in window sills or near window coverings.
• Place candles out of the reach of children and pets.
• If young children live in or visit your home, lock up matches, lighters and other fire tools.

To learn more about holiday decorating safety and other home safety tips, visit the Home Safety Council Web site: www.homesafetycouncil.org.

Company coming for the holidays? Check your home for safety hazards.

The (Your Fire Department) reminds residents to evaluate homes for safety hazards before guests arrive. Older adults and young children are at especially high risk of injury. The nonprofit Home Safety Council says homes should be made both welcoming and hazard-proof. If toddlers are joining your household, lock away matches and lighters; install cabinet locks, outlet covers, toilet lid locks and safety gates. To prevent falls, make sure lighting is bright over stairs and steps and place non-slip mats in tubs and showers. Download a comprehensive list of holiday guest safety ideas at www.homesafetycouncil.org.