38 - Sunday, December 13, 1987 - North Shore News Ree ha HOME SECURITY AND FIRE PREVENTION ae | KEEP GIFTS OUT OF SIGHT THE HOLIDAY season is upon us and people are busy with shopping and preparing for the big day. But during this time of year, thieves are busy as well. “For the short period just be- fore Christmas (the number of) thefts from autos and break and enters increases just because there is more opportunity (for thieves to strike),"’ explained North Van- couver RCMP Cst. Cliff Doherty. Tempting gift packages left in the back seat of the car or under Christmas trees are prime targets for thieves, and Doherty warns residents to follow one of the main rules of the Christmas season: keep gifts out of sight in car trunks. “It’s the same with the home — people shouldn't keep stacking presents under the tree (as Christmas approaches),’’ he says. “Ii entices somebody to break into the home."* Instead, keep presents out of sight until Christmas Eve. If gifts are stolen, it is often dif- ficult to establish ownership in court as items are usually still in their boxes and not marked for identification. In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, it is easy to run off shopping without locking doors and securing windows. Extra caution amid the festive confusion that preceeds Christmas will help avoid break-ins. “A fot of offences are being committed because the opportunity is there, and citizens have not safeguarded their homes,’’ says Ses Discourage Page 39 With an alarm system from We custom design | fo meet your needs — Free estimates YGG SECURITY | 24 hr. Monitoring : Av O id accidents | during the holidays Residential & Commercial y from the folks at EY LOCK & KEY LTD. NEWS photo Torry Peters WITH CHRISTMAS lights and decorations being potential fire hazards during the holidays, North Vancouver City fire prevention officer Dave Burgess reminds residents to take extra care to ensure they have a safe, happy Christmas. IN THE hectic holiday season, adults often get caught up ‘in the ‘hustle and bustle of Christmas, rushing .to prepare for. parties, shopping and festivities. ° . ‘But with added holiday activi’ s comes added hazards, especially for children in the family. Here are some tips fram the experts on how to avoid accidents during the fun- filled holiday season. °Plastic bags — often used in gift wrapping and packaging — should. be stored behind locked cabinets or in closets to, avoid possible suffocation. — eSpecial care should also be taken when waxing or mopping kitchen floors in preparation for the big holiday party. , Protect _ children from needless falls.on wet or soapy surfaces. Mop up spills or grease im- mediately, and make sure floor mats have a non-skid backing to prevent sliding when walked upon. For toddlers, gates or enclosures should be installed wherever stairs or doors are located. In the rush of holiday prepara- tions, it is easy to forget that children are natually curious. All medicine cabinets should be lock- ed, even if dangerous substances aren't stored there. *Aspirin, deodorants in. all forms, nail polish. remover, cosmetics, cologne, and hair spray — all items that may be accidental- ly left out on the bathroom counter during the rush to get ready to go out — are all poisonous. ; eThe same caution applies to all sharp objects. Razors, blades and glass containers should also be secured well out of children’s reach for safety. eChildren should not be’ left alone unattended when parents are drawing water for their own baths. Scalds are caused when children accidentally fall into hot water or turn on hot water. eChildren should not be left un- supervised in the kitchen. During the holiday baking, the kitchen presents an especially at- tractive play area — and it is one fraught with hazards. Electric food processors, toasters, blenders and juicers should be unplugged when not in use — even if it is only for a minute — .to prevent curious children .‘from possibly getting hurt..." °Be sure to store sharp appliance blades where children are unable to reach them. eOther potentially dangerous objects used in gift wrapping or holiday decorating — tacks, nee- dles, pins, scissors and keys — should be safely stored away from children who might cut or prick themselves. Christmas tree decorations should be shatterproof plastic to prevent injury should children knock them off of the tree. eChristmas trec stands, too, should be sturdy and well main- tained to prevent the tree from toppling, possibly falling on or injuring nearby children. The best measure for preventing accidents is by being prepared for them'as much as possible. Post a list of emergency numbers next to the telephone in case of accident or poisoning. ae Following safety ‘guidelines and keeping a watch on babies and young, children at all times — ' especially during Christmas — will help ensure a safer infancy and childhood. rr ;