The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1910-12-16
Which Arise From Christmas
Decorations
Explained By Fire Marshal
In A Bulletin
And Some Words Of Warning
To "The Wise"


Marshal Zuber has issued timely |
bulletin on christmas Dangers as
follows:
There are at least two classes of
people who, by reason of their en-
pioyment, view the approach Of
Christmastide with more OF less ap-
prehension. Reference Is had to the
members of the various fire depart
ments and the state fire marshals
force. For, despite repeated warnings
from the various authorities Of the
dangers Of fire in connection with the
decorations considered necessary In
the Chistmas season, many people
will still be careless.
Statistics gathered by the Ameri-
can Medical Association show that
as result of legislation by our var
aous municipalities the casualties as
result Of the Fourth OF July cele-
brations have been reduced at least
ane-half in Ohio. The fires and in
jurles which usually attend this sea-
son differ from those of the Fourth"
Ia that they are not the result Of the
use of dangerous agencies, but arise
from the careless handling of things
harmless enough In themselves.
Our forefathers, denied knowledge
OF the uses of electricity, were de-
pendent upon the candle or the oil
lamp for illumination. Modern inven-
tlon has enabled this generation to
harness the electric force and now
closing of a switch your home or your
store Is illuminated and the darkness
or city even is made to fee In the
twinkling of an eye. Handled care
fully this powerful force is gentle as
lamb, as steady as a horse. but
treated lightly 1t becomes demon
OF destruction. In one of our cities
three years ago, crossed electric wires
caused a fire which destroyed almost
n score OF lives and property loss
OF 100000 The shop keeper cannot
afford TO have his electric wiring
carelessly installed, even though 1t is
10 be used for only few weeks, or
even for a single evening.
We have frequently seen in hotels
and private dwellings also, electric
light bulbs decorated with fancy
shades of tissue paper. This should
never be done. While 1t is still diff
ficult to convince some people that II
ts true. It is nevertheless fact that
the heat from an electric light bulb
will set fire to paper or even cloth II
1t kept In contact with 1t for few
Aours.
Care must be taken even In this In.
nocent delight of the children's
hearts. The usual decorations of the
tree require care and watching all
the time that the tree is Illuminated
We repeat In substance some of the
suggestions made in previous bulle
tins OF this department with regard
20 this subject:
Do not use cotton batting for the
purpose of procuring a snow effect
There Is a substance called mineral
wool" (made of asbestos) which gives
better effect and will not burn.
II Santa Claus Is to appear let him
not wear the material which would
readily make him human torch, but
dot him zee that his clothing is made
OF material which will not ignite. The
material commonly used can be dip.
ped in solution Of alum, which will
make them practically fireproof..
Do not use cotton batting, tissue
paper. or celluloid ornaments on a
tree.
Place the gifts beneath the tree In
stead of suspending them from tn,
branches.
See that no draught OF air reaches
the tree to sway its branches while 4
h illuminated.
Extinguish ali lights on the tree be
fore attempting TO distribute gifts
ehis especially II any are suspended
from the branches.
Never leave the tree unwatche,
while illuminated and make certain
that all lights are thoroughly extin
kuished before you leave 1t.
Have sheet metal (tin or zinc)
beneath every tree to catch dripping
from the candles or possible burning
material.
Have buckets Of sand or water, OIL
nre extinguishers In place conver
tent for instant use.
And, finally, as mas frequently bee
suggested heretofore, "BE CARR
BUL'
Christmas dangers are all avoit
able, and carelessness has no excus,
especially where the lives of childre
might be endangered This is thei
day and they should be enabled to en-
Soy In perfect safety.