Christmas Safety Tips The Christmas season is a time for countless parties, family reunions and exchan ges

of presents. However, this is also a time when several incidents of fire due to faulty Christmas lights and crimes such as robbery holdup occur. "It is said that the Philippines has the longest Christmas celebration in the wo rld. It starts from the onset of 'ber' months until the Epiphany in January. Tha t means, our heightened alertness for any untoward incident during the Christmas season lasts for about five months," said Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon. Stay safe while keeping the festive mood alive during the Yuletide season by fol lowing these reminders: At Home 1. Examine your Christmas decors like Christmas lights and lanterns. Make sure t hat these were inspected by the Department of Trade and Industry. 2. Put up your Christmas tree and decorations away from curtains and other combu stible materials. 3. Avoid leaving Christmas lights turned on overnight to avoid fire or overheati ng. 4. Avoid octopus lines to minimize overloading of electrical system. 5. Never place appliance cords or extension cords under a carpet. 6. Do not leave infants or children alone in places where they are in danger of falling or near electrical outlets or gadgets and candles. 7. Always position appliances (TV, computer, sound system, heating appliances, e tc.) in a spacious area to prevent overheating. 8. Repair faulty functioning appliances. 9. Use appliances at a specified voltage only. 10. Unplug appliances by grasping the plug, not by yanking the cord, when not in use and when leaving the house. To Avoid Incidents of Holdup/Snatching 1. Avoid wearing jewelries, talking over the phone and texting in a crowded area . 2. When waiting for a public utility vehicle, do not stay in a dark area. 3. It is best to call for a company taxi in case you will go home at midnight or early in the morning. Lock all doors once inside to prevent "bukas kotse gang" from declaring hold up. Do not sleep inside the taxi. Make sure to get the plate number of the taxi and give it to a friend in case something happens. Safety Tips During Undas Home -Do not leave a burning candle unattended. -Do not place a candle near curtains or other combustible materials. -For burns, the first aid management is to relieve the pain by immersing the bur ned area in cold water or by applying a wet, cold cloth until the part is pain-f ree both in and out of the water. -Unplug all electrical appliances before leaving the house. -Avoid octopus line to minimize overloading of electrical system. -Never place appliance cords or extension cords under a carpet. -Do not leave infants or children alone in places where they are in danger of fa lling or near electrical outlets or gadgets and candles. -Always position appliances (TV, computer, sound system, heating appliances, etc .) in a spacious area to prevent overheating. -Unplug appliances by grasping the plug, not by yanking the cord, when not in us

e. -Repair faulty functioning appliances. -Use appliances at specified voltage only. -Unplug appliances when lightning and thunderstorm strike. -Before checking for electrical trouble, be sure to switch off the main power. -Cover all outdoor and indoor electrical outlets if not in use. -If appliances, such as gas stoves, require lighting with match, always light th e match first and hold it at the point of lighting before you turn on the stove. -Keep kitchen utensils, especially knives, out of children's reach. -Lock your house when you leave. En route to the Cemetery -Bring an umbrella, face towel, water, food and fan to avoid heat cramps or heat exhaustion. -If you bring a car, make sure that you check it, the water in radiator, battery , gas, oil, breaks, tool kit, flashlight, food and first aid kit. -Park your car near a guard or police station to avoid carnapping. -Dress in light clothing to avoid heat exhaustion, especially among children. Inside the Cemetery -It is best to go to the cemetery early in the morning before or after November 1 to avoid huge crowds. -Avoid drinking liquor. -Avoid bringing unnecessary sharp objects. -Avoid bringing children inside the cemetery as they might get lost. -In case of minor wounds, clean the wounded area with soap and water before appl ying antiseptics like povidone iodine (not alcohol), and cover the wound with ga uze. -In case of severe bleeding, apply direct pressure over the wound using gauze an d bring the patient to the hospital or to a nearby first aid station inside the cemetery. -In case of contusion, apply ice compress over the area for more than 20 minutes (intermittent). -In case of fainting, do not give ammonia to the patient. Instead, let him/her l ie, with feet raised 8-12 inches above. If the patient is conscious, ventilate h im/her, loosen his/her tight clothing and give him beverages. -In case of chest pain, transport the patient to the hospital. -In case of cramps, apply cold compress, rest the affected area and elevate, if possible. Have the victim stretch out the affected muscle to counteract the cram p. Massage the cramped muscle firmly but gently. Seek medical help if cramps persist.