The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-20
FIRE CHIEF WARNS.
 ABOUT DECORATION.
Candles, Cotton And Paper Greatest Menaces Around
 Christmas Time

Christmas decorations often make dangerous fire hazardss Fire Chief J. L. Akin says, and gives the fol- lowing advice about preventing blazes and alarms during the holi- days;
 Before people brand me as kill joy" said the chief, "let me state at once that Christmas means as much to me as any other resident of this city. In fact, 1t is just because l look forward to the day with antici patton that I cannot help but appeal to people to do all possible to keep it a time of cheer. How easily it may become a period of sorrow In many households every fireman of experience knows only too well.
 "A little care with fire on Christ mas Day will not detract a particle from the enjoyment of the occasion. Take Christmas trees, for instance. They do not need to be decked with lighted candles in order to be pretty; colored electric lights are more orna- mental and, when propertly made. far safer. If a bright light is fo- cused on the tree in darkened room, the effect also is pleasing, and with this there Is also practically no danger. If electric current is not dVdlldUit. lHc llCS ohOulQ lOL OC 1T luminated.
 "Candles are always hazardous" the chief continued. Placing them in windows where there are inflam- mabIe curtains and decorations Is ex- tremely dangerous. I am hitting the candle hazard because of late 1t seems to have come back into un- deserved popularity, and, am in- formed. into the fire records of the National Board of Fire Underwriters.
 Here are few additional pre- cautions which l urge the public to observe in homes, in stores and else- where:
 Make sure that Christmas trees are securely set up, so that they will not topple over and keep them away from heating and lighting fixtureA Use metal tinsel. flake asbestos and powdered mica for snow effects. in- stead of paper clippings and cotton. Extreme care with matches and smoking material should be exercised in the neighborhood of trees and decorations. Evergreen should be removed immediately after Christ mas before they have completely dried out.
 Avoid toys requiring alcohol gasoline or kerosene for their opera ton, and also flimsy motion picture machines using tnflammaDle 1lins. Low priced electrical playthings should not be given to children aa they are often effectively wired and frequently have weak, dangerous connections: they have caused serious burns and fires.
 If Santa Claus is to be present at the celebration, tell him 10 avoid the use of long cotton whiske-s. Ills costume can be partially fire-proof by soaking in a solution of alum, obtainable at any drug store.
 eff anyone's clothing catches fire they should be promptly rolled in a rug or woolen cloth in order to smother the blaze. Keep the flames away from the face.
 Merchants should free their busi- ness premises of rubbish and paper accumulations, and should insist that employees keep all exits clear. It Is difficult, I realize. to Keep stockrooms tidy during the busy holiday season, but 1t Is well worth the extra effort.
 "Of course" concluded the chief "the business of the fireman Is to extinguish fires, and day and night he is ready to answer the summons But he is not a machine; he has feelings, and if I understand him at all I know that Christmas Is the day of days for him as for everyone else In all fairness. then. why nor make it possible for him to enjoy Christmas? Everybody can help ny avoiding those hazards which may take the joy out of the day for them as well as for the fireman"