Fire Prevention In Home Heating ixxixnw . Homes fires increase in the winter months especially during the holiday season. Seventy-five percent of all fire fatalities occur in residential structures. By eliminating hazardous conditions, most fires can be averted. Since a large percentage of home fires are associated with heating devices, the following precautions could avoid disasters: Never use fuel-burning appliances without proper vents to the outside. Burning fuel can produce deadly fumes. If you are using such a portable heater in the bedroom, open the window. Ventilation prevents suf focation that can be caused by a heater consuming oxygen. Be sure your heater is in good condition. A dirty heater is a fire hazard. Keep the heater clear of com bustibles that could catch fire. There should be enough space between the heater, wall, and furniture, so that these items do not get too hot. Never use a space heater to dry clothing. When ' buying a portable electric heater, select a brand approved by one of the major testing laboratories. Look for a model with a broad, solid base and an automatic cut-off switch, so that it will turn the heater off it if tips over accidentally. Place the heater out of the way of stairways, doors, and other traffic paths. Avoid using space heaters in the bathroom, and don't touch one when wet. When refueling an oil unit, avoid overfilling. Cold oil expsfadpas it warms up and may clause burner flooding and f®re-ups. Never add fuel to £ heater while it is vburning. \ Do not use a gas range or oven to heat your kitchen. Not only is there a danger of fire, but potentially deadly levels of carbon monoxide could result. Your range-or oven should be used for food preparation only - not continuous use. When buying a wood- burning stove, look for sturdy construction of cast iron or heavy steel. Check for danger signs of punctures or cracks. Every stove should have a damper to control the draft. Leave plenty of room between the stove and walls. The minimum recom mended clearance generally is three feet, but the distance can vary according to the construction of the stove and protective wall coverings. Follow manufacturers' instructions. Che^k to make sure the damper is open before lighting a fire. Use kindling to start it - never gasoline, kerosene, or other flam mable liquid to start or freshen a fire. College Honors Three On Dean's List Three local students are among 112 at Monmouth college who have been named to the Dean's list or honor roll for the fall academic term at the college. To receive Dean's list recognition, a student at Monmouth must achieve a grade-point average for the term of 3.666 or higher on a four-point scale while carrying a full course load. The local students recognized include William Hurckes, son of Robert Hurckes, a junior special education major and a 1977 graduate of McHenry high school; Two Wonder Lake students were also named. Dave Kozial, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kozial, is a freshman business ad ministration major and a Marian Central graudate. Elizabeth Kise is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Kise. A freshman business administration major, she is a 1979 graduate of Woodstock high school. JOHN McINERNEY Graduates-John Mclner- ney, a 1975 graduate of McHenry high school, graduated from Eastern I l l i n o i s u n v i e r s i t y , Charleston, Dec. 16, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education. The son of Mr. and Mrs. James Mclnerney of 5611 Woodland, McHenry, he was three time All American cross country runner at Eastern. PAGE 15 -PLAINDEALER - FRIDAY, DECEMBER_21,1979 Christmas Tree Safety Two Area Students in Plays At College Michael Schneider Is Speech-Art Graduate , Michael J. Schneider, son of Mr. and Mrs. M. Schneider of 3315 S. Riverdale road, McHenry, has been granted the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Speech and Dramatic Art in the graduate college of the University of Iowa at Iowa City. His dissertation was entitled, "Cross-Cultural Communication and the Acquisition of Com municative Competence". Dr. Schneider is currently on the staff of Northern Illinois university at DeKalb in the Department of Speech Communication. Several of his articles have recnetly been accepted for publication in Taiwan, China and in England. Dr. Schneider is a graduate of McHenry high school and attended St. Patrick elementery school. Several Rockford college students recently were in volved in three one-act Three Penny Theatre productions, Dec. 13, 14 and 15. Sophomore Beth Ruppert, 2612 N. Moody, Chicago, directed "A Game of Chess', which depicts a game of wits between two men, with very serious consequences. Her cast included Mike Morris of Spring Grove. "A School Play", a play depicting how a student's role in a play forces her into nonconformity and how her teacher realized the dehumanization she herself must face because of the system she perpetuates, was directed by senior Candace Petlak, 1300 Buffalo, Calumet City. The actresses included Elizabeth Soland, 8010 N. State Park road, Spring Grove. ® Ninety percent of all bird migration occurs at night, according to the National Wildlife Federation. Winter either bites with its teeth or lashes with its tail. -Montenegrin Proverb. The following tree safety tips have been offered by the office of the state fire, marshal, Division of Fire Prevention. Natural Tree: Be sure the tree has been freshly cut. A dried-out evergreen is a fire hazard. When buying a natural tree, beware if the tree has brittle or shedding needles. Be sure to cut off at least one-inch of the tree trUnk for better water ab sorption. Make sure the tree stand is sturdy and non-tip. Consider adding guy lines to support a big tree. Trees must be watered daily. When water absorption stops - discard the tree. Natural evergreens must be kept away from candles, TV sets, fireplaces, open flames, and heat vents of any kind. Plastic Trees: Check for fire-retardant label. Metallic Trees: Use only indirect spotlighting. Don't hang lighting sets on a metallic tree. You will create an electrical shock hazard! Trees with a built-in electrical system should carry the label of a testing agency. Lighting:, Inspect last year's lights closely for worn insulation, loose bulb sockets, and broken plugs. If they are damaged, don't risk it' replace them. Buy lighting sets approved by a testing agency. Plug them into no larger than 15 am pere circuits. Use extension cords sparingly. Prevent cord damage...do not place cords near foot traffic, through doorways, or under rugs. Indoor electrical equipment is not safe out doors! For outdoors, use only approved outdoor lighting sets, extension Cords and fixtures. Decorations: Use flame- retardant or noncombustible decorations. Untreated cotton batting, flock, tissue paper, and some foamed plastics catch fire so easily! Be creative - and fire safe. Hearings Extended Acting Illinois Department of Insurance director Philip R. O'Connor announced the extension of public hearings on cost containment stan dards for workers com pensation insurers. Because of the large volume of in dividuals wishing to testify, the hearings will resume on Dec. 17 in Chicago at the State of Illinois Building, 160 No. LaSalle, and will remain open that week until all testimony is heard. The hearings are part of a joint effort by the Insurance department and the In dustrial commission to hold down workers compensation costs in Illinois. ron zve .jMc'lIcniV Inn $50COUPLE (Reservations Only) •8 pm-Midnight Open Bar •Free Champagne at Midnight •Choice of Four Dinners Prime Rib N.Y. Strip Steak Butt Steak Steak & Crab LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Dance to the Music ol "SLAPBACK" • Door Prizes • Favors • Appetizers Caii344-0900 to make your reservations (50%deposit required at time of reservation) (,JMc('Hcni\r ^Inn ^Family Hoi^e 4512 W. Rte. 120 McHenry, Illinois 2 Blocks West of McHenry Market Place Shopping Center neighbor 9t Here's my new State Farm office, where I can better serve you with a better value In car, home, life and health Insurance. I invite you to call or drop In any time. 4ft Let every heart rejoice in the meaning and the message of His birth. Sing praise for the season of peace GRANVILLE SORNSON 5116 W. Elrh St., McHenry 305-1627 S T A M F A R M I N S U I A N C I Like a good neighbor. State Farm is there. State Farm Insurance Companies VHome Offices: Bloomington. Illinois 3 and promise... hope and happiness. Let us celebrate Christmas in the true spirit of brotherly love. Marengo R^ISavjngs ast ® MARENGO: 200 E. Grant Highway *815/568-7258 • McHENRY: 4400W. Route 120 • 815/344-1900 • WOODSTOCK: 118 Cass Street • 815/338-2800 A WOODSTOCK DRIVE-UP: Route 47 snd Calhoun Street • 815/338-7440 COMING SOON: New Crystal Lake Branch on Routs 14 .