O Christmas Tree

Trees

• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant." Although this label does not mean the tree won't catch fire, it does indicate the tree is more resistant to burning.
  
• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and do not break when bent between your fingers. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
  
• When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators. Because heated rooms dry live trees out rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water. Dry branches are more sensitive to heat from lights. Replace the water in the container daily. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.
• If you have young children that like to climb, consider purchasing a tabletop tree.
• When the holidays are over, don't hang onto your tree for an excessive period out of sentimentality. It's time to toss it. Why? Because it's very likely that your tree is already drying out quickly despite your frequent water changes, and for each day it remains standing, your risk of household fire increases -- even if you've stopped illuminating your Christmas lights.

Christmas lights

Christmas Lights

Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, such as UL or ETL. This indicates conformance with safety standards. Use only lights that have plugs containing fuses.

Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets. Always replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs.

If using an extension cord, make sure it is rated for the intended use.

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.

Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.

Stay away from power or feeder lines leading from utility poles into older homes.

Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use only insulated staples (not nails or tacks) to hold strings in place. Or, run strings of lights through hooks (available at hardware stores).

Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

Use caution when removing outdoor holiday lights. Never pull or tug on lights – this could cause stress on the connections that could create a fire hazard.

Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to protect against electric shock. Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold. GFCIs can also be installed permanently to household circuits by a qualified electrician.

Twas The Night Before Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas the neighborhood slept, no robberies or burglaries, not one single theft. we were being aware, it’s our job, and it’s tough, but when neighbors work together, crooks can’t do their stuff.

We see you have deadbolts, and your windows are pinned.

You’ve joined “Neighborhood Watch,” and that’s how you win.

When your neighbor goes traveling,

keep an eye on his house,

keep bad guys from stirring, except that darn mouse.

Your car, locked while shopping, packages kept out of view,

you double-checked your charge slips, and the bills on line too.

Well, got to run, We’re out of time,

so Happy Holidays, and thanks for helping us…

Take A Bite Out Of Crime!

from the five canyons neighborhood watch

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

The holiday season is a time for crimes of opportunity. Keep these tips in mind this season:

Don’t leave packages in plain view in your vehicle – put them in your trunk.

If you will not be home for deliveries, have your items delivered to a neighbor who will be home.

Hold on to your money: Pickpockets have an easier chance to steal from you when shops are crowed. Always carry your purse tucked tightly under your arm, ladies. And for you men . . . it can happen to you too! Put your money and only necessary cards in your front pants pocket where it harder for a bad guy to get at it.

Don’t park in secluded or dark areas of the parking lot. Be patient and courteous while parking.

Try not to be the last to leave the store. Leave when the stores are still open and there are plenty of other shoppers in the parking lot.

Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.

When you get home, remember this home safety reminder: Approximately 50% of all burglars enter the house via unlocked or open doors and/or windows. Keep all doors, including your garage door, closed and locked. Don’t display gifts where they can be seen from outside.

When out on the town:

With office parties and general Christmas celebrations, bars, restaurants and other venues that are often crowded during this season. Don't leave bags over the back of your chair and keep wallets and purses close to your body to make it more difficult for the pickpocket. Busy places makes it easier for the sneak thief, so be alert at all times. Make prior arrangements as to how you will get home. Avoid any potential disturbances on the street. Stay with friends if you can.

Christmas Services in the Neighborhood

St Benedicts Catholic Church 275-0001 Reverend Donald Wolf
Saturday, December 24, 5:30 pm Children's Christ Mass
Saturday, December 24, 11:30 pm Christmas carols followed by High Christ Mass
Sunday,   December 25, 10 am Mass
Sunday,   December 25, 12 Noon Mass in Spanish

Living Love Christian Center, 273-1130, Pastor Mark Guinn
Sunday, December 18, 10:30 am Christmas Play
Sunday, December 25, 10:30 am (Only service)

Wallace Avenue Baptist Church, 273-8679, Pastor Butch Bradley
Sunday, December 18, 10:30 am Christmas Music Program
Sunday, December 18,   5:00 pm "Nativity" movie, food and fellowship
Sunday, December 25, 10:30 am The Lord's Supper (only service)

Grace Fellowship New Testament Church, 273-4833, Jerry and Sydney Barham
Sunday, December 25, 10:30 am Christmas Day service

Christmas Party Time Tonight

The Westside Neighborhood Watch will have it's Christmas party Tonight December 13 starting at 6:30 - 8:00 Pm at the Wallace Avenue Baptist Church.  Our special guest will be Santa Clause and the Dunbar Heights Community.

Bring a gift to play dirty Santa max of $5:00 or a white elephant

Hope to see you there!