Safety is always a concern, and especially at Christmas. But this Christmas, there is an added factor requiring special attention to safety: Freezing temperatures for Washington Parish and much of the nation.
With unusual freezing weather in Southeast Louisiana, there are always tragic fire fatalities. More than ever, be certain to check your smoke alarms. Replacing the batteries is a very small expense compared to the unspeakable loss of a life or a home due to fire.
No matter how cold you get, don't use a space heater unless it is really necessary, and if you use one, check and double check to make certain that there are no flammable objects anywhere near the space heater. Check the cord on the space heater to make sure it is not worn or frayed, and that the cord does not become warmer than usual.
If using a fireplace, be sure the fire is completely out before going to bed. Someone should be watching the fire at all times. And be aware that fires in fireplaces don't always serve to warm a house, because a roaring fire can actually draw heat from the house up the chimney in excess of what it produces to heat the house. Never remove ashes from a fireplace until many hours, or even days, after the fire is out.
Because the freezing temperatures that are predicted for Washington Parish will be accompanied by winds, it will be even colder than the thermometer shows. The windchill factors predicted for the parish can actually become life threatening. Do not take this freezing weather casually. Dress warmly, and try to stay indoors as much as possible. If you have elderly relatives or neighbors, please check on them during the freezing weather.
Christmas trees dry rapidly and become a tremendous fire hazard. Be sure your tree never runs out of water, and check the pine needles daily during the Christmas season. At the first sign of dry needles, the tree should be taken down and removed from the house. Never let a cut Christmas tree exceed its welcome.
Unfortunately, alcohol seems to go with the holidays for many people. Watch out for drunk drivers on the road. And don't drive and drink. Police, deputies, and state troopers will have DWI checkpoints during the holidays. Being arrested for DWI is a very expensive legal problem, not to mention the risk you are taking to yourself and others. How does someone ever get over taking someone's life because of drunk driving?
Home burglaries are a problem during the holidays. Hopefully you have a burglar alarm installed. Have a neighbor watch your home if you will be gone, and return the favor by also watching out for potential criminals in your neighborhood. Never hesitate to call the police or the sheriff's office to report a suspicious person in your neighborhood.
Have a good Christmas and New Years, but don't forget to be safe. And remember the four P's of freezing weather: People, Pipes, Pets. Plants. Make sure all four are protected!
