The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1922-12-22
Warnings From Fire
Investigation Bureau

A u
when the young folds look forward
longingly to the coming OF the next
Yet in many homes Christmas is a
day of sorrow, the anniversary Oh
some terrible catastrophe, possibly
the death of some loved member Oh
the family, who through carlessness
or thoughtlessness paid the penalty
exacted of those who laugh in the
face of the fire demon.
''Peace on earth, good will to all
men, These words were uttered at
a time when fireworks, sparklers,
spitfires, Christmas trees with hlmsy
and highly inf1amable decorations
{ with burning candles were unknown,
i and in modern times, many homes
have been saddened, bright and prom
{ Using lives snuffed out, billions Of
dollars of property reduced to ashes,
simply because we disregard the dl-
vine message delivered 1922 years
! ago, and forgetting the Almighty has
endowed us with brains and intelll-
gence to distinguish between those
: things which are safe and those
which are unsafe.
In order that all may be fore
warned, l wish to call attention to-
the following hazards common to the
holiday season. Remembering that
evergreen trees used for Christmas
are highly inf1ammablo. Keep lighted
candles away from them; use cleo
trio lights, if you have no electric
service, rent a battery; it is cheaper
than the purchase Of a coffin or the
rebuilding and refurniShing OF a
new home
Keep from the tree inflammable
decorations. Set the tree securely
so that it will not topple over, and
see that it is located several feet
away from any heating or lighting
fixtures. Metal tinsel with asbestos
or mica make excellent material for
snow effects and will not burn. Cot
ton and paper, on the other hand are
highly dangerous. The tree should
never be Illuminated with candles.
Hero is what can happen: A person
will usually climb on chair to
reach some gift or to light candle.
In reaching a lighted candle may
come in contract with inflammable
material which will catch fire and
cause other decorations to ignite
The person will try to snatch the
Jul mCtSlidI IlOh SiiS SANS'
lose balance and fall against the
tree causing it to topple ever on to-
tho floor. Result, Clothing catches
fire and there is another human
flaming torch. There are numerous
such cases on record, and unless eau
ton is exercised, it will happen again
and YOU may be the victim.
Ornaments should be of metal or
glass and not of celloid, pyralln,
French Ivory or other pyroxlin plas-
tic objects which ignite at compare
lively low temperature.
Toys involving the use of alcohol
gasoline or kerosene should be
avoided and low priced electrical
playthings should be looked upon
with suspicion as they are often in
security wired and f1imsly construct
ed.
An extremely hazardous plaything
of comparatively recent development
is the home motion picture protector
using celluloid film and often illum-
mated with f1imsy carbide lamp. 1t
would be difficult to place more
dangerous combination in the hands
of children.
Santa Claus must be careful; he
should avoid long cotton whiskers
and should keep away from lights
and open fires. AS an additional pro-
lection, the costume used should bel
partially fireproof with the following
solution: Two ounces of carbonate
of soda; two ounces of ammonia car
/, Donate; two ounces of boric acid and
five gallons of water. The mixture
oh No - 10 0iIj
and should then be strained and
sprayed upon the material to be pro-
tected. If Santa's clothing or that!
of anyone else does catch fire, thel
victim should be rolled in rug or
wooden cloth and the flames smoth-
cred. The flames should be kept
away from the face. A bucket or
two of water and fire extinguisher
should be kept at hand. Remove all
evergreen Immediately after Christi
maI
Fireworks. sparklers and other
pyrotechnics should be studiously
avoided. Beware of the toy pistol.
Many a tombstone bears mute eVid-
ence of it's headlines.
This year as in years past there is
( being circulated propaganda encour
aging the placing of lighted candle
IN the window as an Invitation tol
serenaders. By all means avoid
this for too often due to inflamma-
bic draperies, ETC., the invitation is
accepted by the fire department
Summing up the entire subject
matter, prevent fire, death or injury
by hunning those things which You'll
KNOW will cause them. Be safe not
sorry. Do not take a chance. Lett
this Christmas be one of peace and
happiness in your home. Help your
neighbors by example and /advicc, |
that they too, may spend a happyl
Christmas
Let us all join in making this a |
FIREPROOF CHRISTMAS.
IN MEMORIAM |