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12- PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, December 22, 1998 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" Play it safe at Christmas time lake time to guard against fire during the holidays, says Scugog's FPO By Chris Hall Port Perry Star Taking a few extra precautions this month can lead to a happy and safe holiday season, say local firefighters. Kevin Balser, Chief Fire Prevention Officer with the Scugog Fire Department, is urging people to take a couple of extra minutes to examine their homes for potential dangers right now. "Christmas is a fun time for every- one, but being careful and using a little common sense goes along way to a happy holiday," he said. "This is a very busy time of year... everyone's on the go and sometimes people tend to overlook small details in their rush to set things up and get other items done." Asked for a few pointers on holiday safety, Mr. Balser began with the cen- tre-piece in most decorating plans: the Christmas tree. "If you get a fresh tree, make sure you keep it outside and nice and cool until you're ready to decorate it. When it's time, cut the bottom off a little more and make sure it gets lots and lots of water. "Never decorate it with candles and keep it away from doorways and win- dows that could be used as escape routes in case of fire," he said, adding that the tree should also be kept away from heat sources such as TVs, heaters, and radiators. For decorating you should use only Canadian Standards Association- approved lights,a and each bulb should be carefully inspected before it's used. Light strands should also be checked for frayed connections. "It's good practice to switch off the lights before you go to bed or leave your home," said Mr. Balser. "It's nice to come home to a pretty tree, but it can also be dangerous to leave them on." He also suggests that people not overload electrical sockets or extension cords. It's also important to use the correct type of lights. "Lights to be used indoors should be indoor lights, not outdoor; they get too hot for the house," said Mr. Balser. "Also, indoor lights used on the front of the house are not weather-proof and could cause problems." And as always, check and make sure your home's smoke detectors are working properly: "Smoke detectors are a must; they won't prevent fires or extinguish them, but they do provide early warning and that could be the key to your safety," said Mr. Balser. Multi-purpose fire extinguishers are also a good idea for homes, and as gifts, he added. Paying attention to the details -- such as lights, proper tree mainte- nance and smoke alarms -- can help ensure a safe and happy Christmas seasons, says Scugog Fire Prevention Officer Kevin Balser. 7%, For that person on your list... ¢% A gift certificate to dine at EMIEL'S PLACE in Downtown Port Perry 985-2066 ANDREWS T.V. ANTENNAS SATELLITE DISHES Authorized Dealer for: p= Gingerbread village still open at library - ey \ pe i f 4 workshop. This 8 bedroom home is taste * DirectTV U.S Dishes * Big Dish Decoder Boards $310 * Big Dish Programming * Antennas, Roters, Amplifiers etc. 4 (7 during the past year. This ranch bungalow is nestled on a large country lot about 15 min. north of Oshawa. Enhanced with many stately trees, 4 gazebos, a 2 bedroom guest house, water mills, several out bul ge Garage is set up with a heated decorated and has 5 walkouts, spa, 1bedroom in-law apartment on main floor. 3 kitchens, cozy solarium with hot tub and back stairways completly finished basement. Ideal for a bed and breakfast. For details on the many features - too many to fist call Margaret Ball or Carolyn Wilbur Call Margaret Happy Holidays At this time of the year we like to reflect and give thanks for all t great things that have happened Ww : So here's wishing you and your family the peace and joy of the holiday season and a The Gingerbread. Village' at Scugog - Memorial Public Library opened on Dec. 5, and run until Dec. 31, Monday, = Wednesday and Friday ii 3 WILAN Log Home in the Country! - Filled with warmth & charm. Round Log Home with wood floors, porch overlooks pond, very private treed lot backs onto farmland. Antique bathroom fixtures, 3 bedrooms. 30'x12" deck. 2 walkouts, detached drive through garage - heated & Insulated. Very from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and = on Tuesday, Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. There are Homes And There are Remarkable Residences iL / ir -- Ca all or Carolyn Wilbur at (909) 571-7000 Boy charged after lights stolen from Scugog home Durham Police have arrested and charged a 15-year-old Port Perry youth after a number of Christmas lights and dec- orations were stolen and smashed. Police say an off-duty 17 Division officer was in the area of Lakeview Dr. around 7:40 p.m. on Dec. 13 when he saw two youths smashing and stealing Christmas lights and decorations. While he managed to hold one of the boys, another fled the scene, police say. The boy was held until officers from 26 Division took him into custody and arrested and charged him. A 15-year-old Port Perry male has been charged with one count | 571-7000 for more details Happy New Year. We look forward to serving you in the year ahead. Margaret Ball & Carolyn Wilbur Sutton Group-Executive Realty (1993) Ltd. 571-7000 of theft under $5,000 and one count of mischief under $5,000. He 1s scheduled to appear in an Oshawa court on Jan. 29. Margaret Ball 671 Durham Rd. 21, Uxbridge, Ont. 852-8896 Witter