National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) officials estimate that 15,600 in-home fires are caused by candles annually.*  Over half (55%) start because candles are too close to combustible material. The next most common cause: candles falling over or being knocked over by wind, doors, children or pets. More candle fires (38%) begin in the bedroom than in any other room.  Falling asleep in a factor in 12% of home candle fires and 26% of associated deaths.  Also, the risk of a fatal candle fire appears higher when candles are used for light instead of a flashlight, for example.

With the holiday season just around the corner, the NFPA issues this stern warning: Never put lighted candles on a Christmas tree! December is the peak month for candle fires and Christmas Day the peak day.

1. Snow tires—Driving with worn or high performance tires reduces braking, acceleration and handling capabilities.  Consider investing in winter tires to improve traction.
2. Check all hoses and belts—Cold temperatures can speed up their deterioration.
3. Antifreeze mixture—Ideal mix of coolant to water is 50-50. Is good to -34 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Engine oil—Thinner winter oil circulates better at start-up.
5. Washer fluid levels—Fill up your windshield washer reservoir. Do not use plain water. It will freeze.
6. Car battery—Cold temperatures can reduce battery power by 50 percent. Make sure you test an older battery; keep posts and connections clean and top off water level.
7. Tire Pressure—Air pressure drops in cold weather. Proper inflation improves traction and saves gas.
8. Heater/Defrosters—Essential for warmth and safety.  Make sure they are functioning properly.
9. Windshield wipers—Wiper blades are usually effective for about one year. If yours are older, test them for squeaks skips.
10. Ice Scrapers—Don’t leave the garage without one!  Heated scrapers that you can plug into your car’s cigarette lighter melt ice as you scrape, neat!
11. Emergency Kit—Consider carrying flashlight, flares and first-aid kit; jumper cables, a tool kit and tire chains; blanket, warm clothes and gloves; paper towels; bag of sand or kitty litter; snowbrush, ice scraper and snow shovel; extra washer fluid; extra food and water.

SOURCES: National Safety Council, Edmunds.com

Check frequently for build-up of lint in or around your dryer.  Also take a look around the area where your dryer exhaust exits your house, and see if there is lint on the ground or in shrubs or on the wall. Lint build-ups are a major cause of home fires.  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) statistics indicate that in 2005 an estimated 14,500 reported U.S. non-confined home structure fires involved clothes dryers or washing machines and resulted in 14 civilian deaths, 440 civilian injuries and $207 million in direct property damage.  damage.  The number one cause of these fires was “failure to clean.”

For valuable dryer safety tips visit www.nfpa.org. Click Fact Sheets & Safety Tips under QUICKLINES on the home page.

• Clean air filters save gas. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your gas mileage by as much as 10%!  Visit www.fueleconomy.gov for more ideas.
• Recession-buster idea:  It is best to raise your home and auto deductibles and take on a little more risk (self insurance) than to drop or lower limits for critical coverages.
• Auto accident at-fault appeals.  The state board that allows drivers to appeal auto insurance surcharges was retained by the insurance commissioner in a reversal of a previous decision.  It costs $50 to apply for a hearing and takes about six months for a case to be heard.
• Auto repair ‘environmental’ charge. Most auto service shops now charge a fee to offset the costs of properly disposing  of wastes  such as motor oil, transmission fluid, coolant, oil filters, tires, brake linings, rotors, drums, drive belts, etc.  Next time your car is in the shop, ask how much the “environmental fees” will be to avoid surprises.