City of Santa Clarita, CA - Emergency Management: Potential Winter Storm Danger Situation in the Santa Clarita Valley

January - Flood/Storms
February - Prepare Yourself with Life Skills
March - Emergency Financial Kits
April - Earthquake Preparedness
May - Wildland Fire Preparedness
June - Travel Safety
July - Heat Wave
August - Back to School Preparedness
September - Terrorism
October - Public Health Emergencies
November - Candle with Care
December - Indetity Theft

January - Flood/Storms
Each year, severe storms can cause flash floods, contaminate the drinking water supply, disrupt electrical service, and damage homes and contents. They also can strand individuals playing near or crossing streams, rivers, flood control channels, and intersections.

Before a Flood Warning or Watch
Be prepared to respond to flooding by taking the following actions before the rains and flooding begin:

Assemble emergency supply kits for your home, place of work, and vehicle.
Store the following materials for protecting your home in a location away from potential flooding:
- Sandbags
- Plastic sheeting
- Plywood
- Lumber
Store a seven-day supply of water (at least one gallon per person, per day) in closed, clean containers.
Teach children not to play in or near rivers, streams, or other areas of potential flooding.
Maintain fuel in your cars; electrical outages might make gasoline pumps inoperable.
Identify safety routes from your home or work place to high, safe ground. Determine whether you can use these routes during flooding or storms. Be familiar with your geographic surroundings.
Check with Public Works, and/or the Community Development Department to see if you live in an area subject to flooding.
Clear debris and overgrowth from on-site drainage facilities.
Notify Public Works about debris and overgrowth in public drainage facilities.
Work with neighbors to solve potential drainage problems and to avoid diverting debris onto their properties. Consult a licensed civil engineer if you are in doubt.
Identify an out-of state contact so that friends and relatives can obtain information and your condition and whereabouts.

Avoid floodwater. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage, it is especially important to keep the water out of your mouth, eyes, and nose. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you are exposed to floodwaters.

February – Prepare Yourself with Life Skills
The ability of your neighborhood, workplace, or school to respond effectively during and after an emergency incident depends on how well you use the resources in the community. Local fire, law enforcement, medical services, and other personnel may be overwhelmed and unable to assist you after a disaster. To better prepare yourself, your family, business, work location, and/or school, you should take classes, and/or learn about other resources that can assist you in an emergency.

City of Santa Clarita Community Emergency Response Training (CERT)
The course is 21 hours long, and is instructed in seven sessions. Topics covered include: disaster preparedness, fire suppression safety/utility control, hazardous materials, terrorism, triage, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue operations, and team organization and management. The final night of class concludes with hands-on disaster simulation. Once trained, you can volunteer for the City and help in emergencies and events. Check the City website for class schedule, at www.santa-clarita.com/emergency, or call (661) 255-4965.

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles is made up of a diverse community of professional volunteers whose dedication, teamwork, and compassion helps deliver disaster relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. We seek dependable volunteers to help in various roles and projects that help us fulfill our mission. Many volunteer projects and functions require a minimum time commitment of four-six hours a month. Also offered are preparedness classes in CPR/ First Aid, babysitting, etc. The local American Red Cross office is located at 23838 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 120, adjacent to City Hall.

Call: (661) 259-1805

March - Emergency Financial Kits
72-Hour Emergency Financial Kit
After a damaging earthquake or other disaster, it may not be “business as usual.” Banks and ATMs might be closed for an indefinite period. Be prepared with an Emergency Financial Kit.

Emergency Cash
Include in your emergency kit a sufficient amount of cash to get you through the emergency period. You will need cash to purchase food, gas, and other emergency supplies. Store emergency cash in small bills (ones, fives, and tens are best).

Keep an extra credit card with available credit on hand for emergency funds.

Include plenty of change to call your out-of-state contact from a public phone. (Public phone lines are among the first to be restored after a disaster.) You can also use calling cards to make the call.

Important Documents
You will also need insurance policies, birth certificates, and other vital records after a damaging earthquake or other disaster. This personal information is necessary for insurance claims and other matters. Take steps NOW to protect these important papers. Keep important items and documents and/or copies of them in a safe deposit box, fireproof storage box, or other safe place.

Store important documents, such as:
Social Security cards
Birth certificates
Marriage and death records
Drivers’ licenses
Credit cards
Insurance policies
Recent income tax returns
Mortgage or rental receipts
Paycheck stubs
Deeds
Stocks and bonds
Bank account books
Wills
Documentation of valuables
Health history, allergies, blood types
Recent photos for I.D. purposes
Video or photo documentation will facilitate insurance claims

Storage Tips
Options for safely storing valuables and important documents include:

Fireproof storage box
The home of your out-of -state contact (send only copies of documents, not the originals)

April - Earthquake Preparedness
Thousands of earthquakes occur in California each year, but most are too small to be felt. Most only cause moderate damage and injuries in a small area.

Seismologists believe that one or more major earthquakes - Magnitude 7 or larger - is likely to occur somewhere in California anytime within the next 30 years. If these major earthquakes are in populated areas, the losses will be substantial.

Because the San Andreas fault is the longest fault in the region, it produces the largest earthquakes. Scientists estimate that large earthquakes on the San Andreas occur about every 130 years.

Recent events have shown that earthquakes on other faults can also have considerable impacts. The Northridge earthquake in 1997 caused 57 deaths, more than 9,000 injuries, and $40-$42 billion in losses. Scientists estimate that more than 200 faults in the area are capable of causing an earthquake of Magnitude 6 or greater, large enough to cause significant damage. Most everyone in Southern California lives within 30 miles of one of these faults. No one knows when or where such a quake will occur, but everyone can reduce their risk of death, injury, and property loss in an earthquake by following the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety:

The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety

The following steps are excerpted from “Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country.” The full text can be viewed and ordered at www.earthquakecountry.info.

Step 1: Fix potential hazards in your home

Install latches on kitchen cabinets
Secure TVs, stereos, computers, etc. with velcro straps. Use putty or wax adhesive for smaller items
Hang mirrors and artwork from closed hooks
Secure top-heavy furniture and appliances to walls
Install flexible connectors on gas appliances
Strap water heaters correctly to the wall
Store flammable or hazardous materials on lower shelves, or on the floor

Step 2: Create a disaster plan

Practice "drop, cover, and hold on”
Keep shoes and a flashlight next to each bed
Take an American Red Cross First Aid and CPR course
Know how and when to shut off utilities
Learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher
Select a safe place outside of your home to meet your family or housemates after the earthquake
Designate an out-of-state contact person who can be called to relay information
Keep your children's school release card current.

Step 3: Create disaster supplies kits

Keep a personal disaster supplies kit in your home, in your car, and at work, with at least the following:
- Medications and important medical information
- First aid kit and handbook
- Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Bottled water and snack foods
- Whistle (to alert rescuers to your location)
- Emergency cash, in small bills
- List of out-of-state contact phone numbers
- Working flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs
- Personal hygiene supplies
- Copies of personal identification
In addition to your personal disaster supplies kits, store a household disaster supplies kit with a three-day to one-week supply of items needed to live without normal services (water, electricity, etc.) and to begin recovery.

Step 4: Fix your building’s potential weaknesses. If your building needs the following retrofitting, you likely need to consult a professional:

The framing of your house should be bolted at least every six feet to the perimeter of the concrete foundation (every four feet in a multi-story building).
Homes with a crawl space should have plywood connecting the studs of the short “cripple” walls.
Larger openings in the lower floor, such as a garage door, should be properly reinforced.
Masonry walls and chimneys should be reinforced.

For those who rent: You control which apartment or house you rent. Ask the landlord these questions:

What retrofitting has been done on this building?
Have water heaters been strapped to the wall studs?
Can I secure furniture to the walls?

Step 5: During earthquakes and aftershocks:
Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

During earthquakes, drop to the floor; take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it firmly.
If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
The area near outer walls is very dangerous. Do not try to go outside during shaking.
If outside, move to a clear area if you can safely do so; avoid power lines, trees, and other hazards.
If driving, pull over to the side of the road, stop, and stay in your car until shaking stops.

Step 6: After the earthquake, check for injuries and damage.
Check for injuries:

If a person is bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound. Use clean gauze or cloth, if available.
Administer rescue breathing, if necessary.
Carefully check children or others needing special assistance.
Do not move seriously injured persons, unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
Get medical help for serious injuries.

Check for damage:

If possible, put out small fires immediately.
Shut off the main gas valve, only if you suspect a leak. Wait for the gas company to turn it back on.
Shut off power at the main breaker switch if there is any damage to your house wiring. Unplug broken lights or appliances, as they could start fires.
Hazardous materials such as bleach, chemicals, and gasoline should be covered with dirt or cat litter.
Stay away from chimneys or brick walls with visible cracks. Do not use a fireplace with a damaged chimney.
Stay away from downed power lines and objects in contact with them.

Step 7: When safe, continue to follow your disaster plan.
The first days after the earthquake…
Until you are sure there are no gas leaks, do not use open flames or operate any electrical or mechanical device that can create a spark. Never use the following indoors: camp stoves, gas lanterns or heaters, gas or charcoal grills, or gas generators. These can release deadly carbon monoxide or be a fire hazard in aftershocks.

Turn on your portable or car radio for information and safety advisories.
Call your out-of-state contact, tell them your status, and then stay off the phone.
Check on the condition of your neighbors.
If power is off, plan meals to use up refrigerated and frozen foods first.
If your water is off or unsafe, you can drink from water heaters, melted ice cubes, or canned vegetables.

Report damage to your local building department and to your local office of emergency services.

May – Wildland Fire Preparedness

Southern California is prime for another major fire disaster, due to a persistent drought, urban sprawl of communities encroaching into areas of wildland, and millions of acres of vegetation that have not burned in many years. Preparedness is the key to surviving wildland fires.

Your Home

Follow all local building, fire, and hazard abatement codes.
Install non-flammable screens with mesh one-half inch or less on chimneys.
Keep roofs and rain gutters free of needles, leaves, or other debris.
Enclose the underside of balconies and decks with fire-resistant material, such as aluminum decking.
Enclose all roof eaves with fire resistant material, such as aluminum or steel, and place metal mesh over all attic or roof vents.
Inspect and maintain chimneys and screens twice annually.
Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms, and test them monthly.

Your Yard

Clear the brush away from your home (a minimum of 30 feet - 200 feet).
Trim all trees and tree branches away from electrical lines and chimneys. (Use a professional to trim near utilities and power lines.)
Remove weak, dead, and leaning trees and bark beetle infested trees.
Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home or other structures.
Store all combustible or flammable liquids in approved storage containers.
Locate all propane tanks at least 30 feet from any structure.

Emergency Access

Ensure that your street is clearly marked and posted.
Insure your house numbers are clearly visible, both day and night, from the street.
Know at least two exit routes from your neighborhood in case of emergency.
Make sure large emergency vehicles can access your property.

Plan for Evacuation:

Develop and practice a home evacuation plan. Your plan should include:
- A floor plan with all escape routes.
- Easily accessible exits for young children, seniors, and persons with disabilities. (Locate their rooms as close to exits as possible.)
- A list of valuables to take in an emergency. (Store them together in one location, if possible.)
- Identify the most important papers to take if you have to leave, such as insurance policies, medical records, and driver’s license.
- Take medications and eyeglasses.
- A place to reunite after evacuation
- The location of animal shelters or other sites that house pets.
- Practice drills

Work with neighbors to assist:

People with special needs.
People who need transportation to other sites.

Work with local emergency officials to identify:

Several routes out of your neighborhood.
Likely evacuation sites or safe refuge areas.

When Wildfire Approaches:

Listen to the radio or watch television for instructions.
Evacuate as soon as directed by public safety officials or when danger is perceived.
Park your vehicles facing the direction of escape with windows rolled up.
Place your disaster kit and evacuation kit along with valuables and other essentials in your vehicle.
Secure pets and livestock, and prepare them for evacuation.
Leave your electricity on and leave inside lights on.
If time permits, cover up by wearing long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, goggles, cap, and bandana. 100% cotton is preferable.
Close doors behind you when evacuating to slow down the flames, smoke, and heat.
Help young children, seniors, and persons with disabilities to evacuate safely.

June - Travel Safety
What you can do now to plan a safe trip.
Whether it is a weekend away or a vacation of a lifetime, a little time away from home can be full of fun and adventure. In a post 9/11 world, the prospect of traveling may seem frightening for some people. The good news is that with a little extra planning and attention to detail, vacations and business trips can still be safe and enjoyable.

It is important to be alert and observant. We should always be aware of our surroundings and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. In selecting routes and destinations, we should avoid locations where there is active hostility. It is always wise to be knowledgeable about the destination of travel, to plan the trip carefully, and to be courteous to guests when traveling.

Personal
Travel Documentation

Copy travel documents.
Keep separate.
Give a copy to family or friend not traveling with you.

Safe Orientation

Carry a map at all times.
Know your location of “Safe Havens” (Police, Fire, EMS, Hospitals, etc):
Mark them on your map prior to embarking on your trip.

Personal Safety

Wear nondescript clothing.
Carry nondescript luggage:
Careful about tags and stickers.
Avoid the appearance of a tourist (carrying cameras, luggage, etc).
Carry a piece of hotel stationary with you for address and phone number.
Carry all essential personal items with you at all times:
i.e., passport w/visa.
Carry or put in hotel safe:
Checkbook, credit cards, cash, undesirable ID (military, religious, associations, etc.).

Public
Group Traveling

When traveling with a group, stay together.
Designate one or more meeting points to reunite.
When in a place of public assembly, position yourself:
Away from windows.
Near exit.
Know where the closest exit or cover is at all times.
Avoid restaurants and social places that cater to Americans.
If attack occurs, hit the ground-DO NOT RUN!
Lie on your stomach with your feet and knees together and soles facing the attack.

Air Travel
Airport

Allow extra time at airports for security:
Always pack your own bags.
Do not accept items others ask you to pack.
Limit time in ticket area by traveling off-peak hours.
Limit time in unsecured concourse areas:
i.e., shopping or eating areas.
Report any suspicious bag or package seen:
Move away from the object, notify security.
Sit close to your assigned gate away from windows.

On the Aircraft

Request exit aisle seats or rear seats near aisle.
Know where the exits are at all times.

Automobile Travel
Taxis

Hail your own taxis.
Always request a taxi or shuttle that maintains appropriate credentials.
Use hotel for reliable transportation sources.

Auto

Rental car; keep gas tank as full as possible.
Park facing out, in order to pull out, not back out.
Circle car prior to entry, look for suspicious activity in your car or near you.
Keep the windows up and doors locked.
Travel on high traffic roads.
Be cautious of slow-moving vehicles or cars attempting to limit your movements.

Driving

Check your rearview mirror frequently.
If someone is following you, proceed to one of the “Safe Havens” marked on your map (mentioned in Personal Safety-Safe Orientation).
Vary the routes you travel.

Hotel
Hotel Basics

Obtain a room between the second and sixth floor.
Enter and exit hotels at varied times, and using varied entrances and exits.
Know emergency exits and routes.
Secure all personal documents in room safe or hotel safe.
Keep ALL room keys with you at all times.
Keep doors and windows locked at all times.
Never open the door to unknown individuals.

July - Heat Wave
During an average summer, some 200 people across the country die due to heat injuries from exposure to high summer temperatures.

Clearly, heat can be a force, particularly in Southern California, where temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in the suburban valleys and 110 degrees in the low desert areas are not uncommon during the summer and fall.

Overexposure to heat or excessive exercise in the heat also can cause other injuries. The severity of such injuries increases with age; heat cramps in a younger person may be heat exhaustion in a middle-aged person, but may be heatstroke in an elderly person. This occurs because the person has not adapted to the heat and is unable to adjust to changes in the body.

Heat Conditions, Symptoms and First Aid

What you might see in a heat injury

Sunburn is usually a first-degree burn that involves just the outer surface of the skin. Symptoms include redness and pain. Severe cases may cause swelling, blisters, fever of 102 degrees, or above, and headaches.
First Aid: Use ointments, as well as cool baths or compresses, for less severe cases. Do not break the blisters; if blisters do break, use a dry germ-free dressing. In severe cases, consult a physician. Drink plenty of water.
Heat cramps often are related to dehydration. Symptoms include: increased sweating with painful muscle spasms of the arms, legs, and occasionally, the abdomen.
First Aid: Remove the victim from the hot environment. Apply pressure on or gently massage the spastic muscles to relieve spasms.
Heat exhaustion is the inability to sweat enough to cool yourself. Symptoms include: fatigue, weakness, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting, as well as cold, clammy, pale, red, or flushed skin. A marked body temperature rise will not occur.
First Aid: Remove the victim from the heat. Lay the victim down and loosen the clothing. Apply cold compresses and cool the body by fanning the victim or placing the victim in a cool environment. Consult a physician if vomiting continues.

August - Back to School Preparedness
There is a lot that can be done by school officials to plan for disasters, to limit the risk, to protect the safety of students and teachers, and to ensure that schools recover quickly. All schools should have an emergency response plan that addresses the following:

Identification of hazards and steps to reduce the risk.
Evacuation plans and routes.
Needs of students and staff with disabilities.
Onsite shelter plans.
Emergency supplies and equipment.
Plans for releasing students and school personnel.
Communication.

Parents should know the policies and procedures of their children’s school during times of disaster or crisis, and should be involved in the planning process as much as possible. Parents should also make sure the school has their updated emergency contact information. Keep your children’s school emergency release card current.

A Special Note About Children
If earthquakes scare us because we feel out of control, think how much more true this must be for children, who already must depend on adults for so much of their lives. It is important to spend time with children in your care before the next earthquake to explain why earthquakes occur. Involve them in developing your disaster plan, prepare earthquake bags, and practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Consider simulating post-earthquake conditions by going without electricity or tap water for a few hours.

After the earthquake, remember that children will be under great stress. They may be frightened, their routine will probably be disrupted, and the aftershocks will not let them forget the experience. Adults tend to leave their children in order to deal with the many demands of the emergency, but this can be devastating to children. Extra contact and support from parents in the early days will pay off later. Whenever possible, include them in the recovery process.

September - Terrorism
Earthquakes, floods and wildfires are frightening experiences for most of us. Fear is a natural human reaction to natural disasters and other events that hit suddenly and seem to threaten our safety, our loved ones, and our daily lives. Terrorists use this natural reaction to multiply the effect of their actions in order to advance their political or social goals. Like bullies in the schoolyard, terrorists want to intimidate and frighten others to get their own way

The terrorists are not in charge. We have control over our peace of mind and can help ensure our safety by taking some of the same actions that we would take to prepare for earthquakes, floods, or fires. We can also contribute to the safety of others by becoming more aware of our surroundings and reporting suspicious activities or items to local officials.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
Preparing for terrorist attacks is the same as preparing for earthquakes, fires, and other emergencies. It all starts with a family emergency plan.

Evacuation: Whether you are at home, at work, or in a public place, think of how you could leave quickly and safely. Locate stairways and emergency exits. Pay attention to posted evacuation signs in buildings, subways, and crowded public areas.
Out-of-state contact: Think how you will get in contact with your family if you become separated. Choose an out-of-state contact that your family members or friends can call to check on each other.

Meeting place: Decide where you and family members will meet if the emergency affects your home, or if officials have to evacuate your neighborhood.

School plans: Learn the emergency plans at your children’s schools, and make sure the school has your updated emergency contact information. Give written permission to a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your children from school or day care in case you cannot get there on time.

Preparation for children: Teach your children what to do in an emergency, and make sure they know their own names and addresses, as well as the full names and contact information for parents and a second adult emergency contact.

Acts of terrorism may result in little physical damage, but they can bring fear, confusion, and uncertainty into everyday life. It is important to understand that strong emotional reactions to such events are normal. Reestablish daily routines for work, school, play, meals, and rest. Work with the support networks within your community.

October - Public Health Emergencies
Public Health Emergencies may be related to incidents or outbreaks of infectious disease (example: pandemic flu, West Nile virus), food and waterborne illnesses (examples: Salmonella, E. coli) and other threats to the public’s health and safety. Although the nature of each threat varies greatly, there are steps that you can take to protect yourself.

Pandemic Flu
Pandemic influenza (flu) is a worldwide outbreak of a new flu virus for which there is little or no immunity (protection). Health experts are concerned about the potential for a pandemic flu.

No one can predict when the next pandemic flu will occur or how severe it will be. What is known is that flu pandemics have occurred three times (1918, 1957, and 1968) in the last century. A flu pandemic occurs when a new flu virus emerges. It spreads easily from person-to-person, may cause serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in a very short time. A flu pandemic may come and go in waves, each of which might last for six to eight weeks. If the next flu pandemic to hit the U.S. is severe, life as we know it could be seriously disrupted. To protect yourself and your family, take the time to know the facts and plan ahead to be prepared.

Be Prepared
Follow these steps to prevent the spread of flu and teach your children to do the same.

Wash your hands often. This will help protect you and others against germs. When soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based disposable hand wash or gel sanitizers.
When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
If you are sick, stay home and away from other people, as much as possible, to protect them from getting sick as well. Get plenty of rest and check with your doctor.

Practice other good health habits.

Keep healthy: get plenty of sleep, exercise daily, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat a balanced diet.
Avoid smoking. Smoking may increase the risk of serious consequences if you get the flu.

Discuss important health issues with your family and loved ones.

Talk about how/where they would be cared for if you become sick, and what would be needed to care for them at home.
Make a plan for someone to care for children/people with special needs if all adults in the household are sick. Are there other family members or neighbors who can fill in? Make those plans now and discuss with all who need to know.

Public Emergency Preparedness
Have two weeks worth of medical and health supplies on hand for you and your family. Examples of supplies are:

Soap or water-free, alcohol-based hand wash.
Medicines for fever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen.
Cough syrup.
Thermometer.
Fluids with electrolytes, such as Pedialyte, Gatorade, or other oral rehydration solutions.
Prescription drugs: If you or a family member regularly takes prescription drugs, talk to your doctor and insurance plan about having enough medicine on hand to last for several weeks.

To prevent the spread of flu, there are several key steps that you can take now to stay healthier: wash your hands with soap and water frequently, cover your cough and sneezes, stay home if you are sick, and stay away from others so they will not become sick, and get a seasonal flu shot.

November - Candle with Care
Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Practice safe candle use:

Use candle holders that:
- Are sturdy.

Will not over easily.

Are made from a material that cannot burn.

Are large enough to collect dripping wax.

Place candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface – away from edges and any place where they could be knocked over by children of pets.
Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and loose clothing away from the flame.
Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch.
Extinguish candles when they burn down to within two inches of their holder or any decorative material.
Extinguish candles carefully. Do not leave the room until wicks have stopped glowing.
Do not leave young children unattended in a room with a candle.

Candles and holidays
During December, there are nearly twice as many candle fires as are averaged during the other 11 months.

Keep candles away from natural and artificial Christmas trees.
Keep candles away from all holiday decorations.
Place burning candles where they cannot be bumped of brushed against.
Arrange table candles safely away from flammable centerpieces and hanging decorations.

During power outages
Avoid using candles for emergency lighting.

If your electrical service goes out, use flashlights and battery-powered lamps, when possible.
Do not carry lit candles.
Do not use a candle for light when adding kerosene or any flammable fuel to a heater, lantern, or other device. The flame could ignite the fumes.
Extinguish all candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.

Candles and children

Supervise children who are in a room with burning candles.
Store candles, matches, and lighters up high and out of children’s sight and reach.
Do not allow children or teens to burn candles in their bedrooms.
Do not let children play with candles or dripping wax – or with combustible material near candles.

Reducing the risk

Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Extinguish all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
NFPA discourages the use of candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.
Keep candles a least one foot from anything that can burn, like bedding, curtains and blinds, wallpaper, upholstered furniture, piles of clothing, newspapers, and magazines.
Keep candles away from flammable liquids.

Place lit candles away from windows and doorways, where drafts could bring combustibles in contact with the flame.

December – Identity Theft
Identity Theft occurs when someone wrongfully uses your personal identification to obtain credit, loans, services, even rentals and mortgages in your name. They may even commit crimes while impersonating you!

Also know that these protective measures will not guarantee that a criminal will not get access to your credit from a "less than cautious" credit grantor. There are many ways to steal private information about you (i.e., anyone who has access to your social security number and other identifying information). All of these offices have your information: your doctor, accountant, lawyer, loan officer, health insurance, schools, courts, etc.
In addition, here are some other things that you should do to protect your privacy, which will help to reduce the risk of Identity Theft.

PREVENTION:

Buy a cross-cut type shredder. Shred all your important papers and especially pre-approved credit applications received in your name and other financial information that provides access to your private information. Do not forget to shred your credit card receipts.
Be careful of "Dumpster Diving." Make sure that you do not throw anything away that someone could use to become you. Anything with your identifiers must be shredded (cross-cut) before throwing away.
Be careful at ATM's and using Phone Cards. "Shoulder Surfers" can get your "Pin Number" and get access to your accounts.
Get all of your checks delivered to your bank - not to your home address.
Do not put checks in the mail from your home mailbox. Drop them off at a U.S. mailbox or the U.S. Post Office. Mail theft is common. It is easy to change the name of the recipient on the check with an acid wash.
When you order new credit cards in the mail, or your previous ones have expired, watch the calendar to make sure that you get the card within the appropriate time. If it is not received by a certain date, call the credit card grantor immediately and find out if the card was sent. Find out if a change of address was filed if you do not receive the card or a billing statement.
Cancel all credit cards that you do not use or have not used in six months. Thieves use these very easily - open credit is a prime target.
Put passwords on all your accounts and do not use your mother's maiden name. Make up a fictitious word.
Get a post office box or a locked mailbox, if you possibly can.
Ask all financial institutions, doctors' offices, etc., what they do with your private information and make sure that they shred it and protect your information. Tell them why.
Empty your wallet of all extra credit cards and social security numbers, etc. Do not carry any identifiers you do not need. Do not carry your birth certificate, social security card, or passport, unless necessary.
Memorize social security numbers and passwords.
When a person calls you at home or at work, and you do not know this person, never give out any of your personal information. If they tell you they are a credit grantor of yours, call them back at the number that you know is the true number, and ask for that party to discuss personal information. Provide only information that you believe is absolutely necessary.
Do not put your social security number on your checks or your credit receipts. If a business requests your social security number, give them an alternate number and tell them why. They do not need that to identify you. If a government agency requests your social security number, there must be a privacy notice accompanying the request.
Do not put your telephone number on your checks.
Get credit cards and business cards with your picture on them.
Do not put your credit card account number on the Internet (unless it is encrypted on a secured site.) Do not put account numbers on the outside of envelopes, or on your checks.
When you are asked to identify yourself at schools, employers, or any other kind of institutional identification, ask to have an alternative to your social security number.
In conjunction with a credit card sale, do not put your address, telephone number, or driver's license number on the statement.
Monitor all your bank statements from every credit card every month. Check to see if there is anything that you do not recognize and call the credit grantor to verify that it is truly yours.
Order your credit report at least twice a year (I have enclosed the addresses for you on the sample letter.) Review it carefully. If you see anything that appears fraudulent, immediately put a fraud alert on your reports by calling the numbers below.