Issue link: http://accesshealth.uberflip.com/i/1056983
Beautifully lit Christmas trees and lights twinkling outside are a holiday tradition for millions. It is a fun family practice, but these decorations can increase the risk of house fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports the top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year's Day, and Christmas Eve. According to NFPA, a heat source too close to the tree causes one in four Christmas tree fires. Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do happen, they are more likely to be serious. On average, one of every 32 reported home Christmas tree fires results in a death, as compared to one death per 143 total reported home fires. NFPA and the U.S. Fire Administration recommends the following safeguards: ● Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns. ● When using a live tree, choose one with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire. ● Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2" from the base of the trunk. ● Add water to the tree stand daily. ● Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. ● Make sure the tree, or any other decorations are not blocking exits. ● Replace any string of lights exhibiting worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read the manufacturer's instructions for the maximum number of light strands to connect. ● Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. ● Turn off holiday light decorations before going to bed or leaving your home. ● Get rid of the tree after Christmas. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. accessHealthNews.net PAGE 14 December 2018 The Roasterie, Kansas City's premier coffee roaster and purveyor, announces that Stacy Barter, corporate project manager, has been named to the KC Chamber of Commerce Centurions Leadership Program, Class of 2020. The two-year program, established in 1976, has more than 80 active Centurions who join more than 1,200 alumni. Hailing from diverse backgrounds, the Centurions work to expand their personal and professional networks and serve the community through a myriad of projects. Barter has worked in various roles at The Roasterie since 2003. Between 2016 and 2018, she was instrumental in directing the openings of 6 Roasterie cafés, one dedicated drive-thru and 1 licensed café at H&R Block Headquarters in Kansas City. She managed the recent overhaul of The Roasterie's Factory location at 1204 W. 27 Street and helped orchestrate the company's 25th year celebration, which will conclude later this month. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Barter gives back to the community, whether it's instituting bi-monthly volunteer efforts at Harvesters for Roasterie employees or managing her nonprofit, Tiny Two Giraffe Project—an organization she founded in 2008 following a personal loss. Tiny Two Giraffe Project recruits seamstresses and volunteers to create and assemble special care packages for families that have lost a newborn. Hundreds of grieving families have positively benefited from Barter and her group of volunteers, along with the many individuals who have donated their wedding gowns to be repurposed into tiny burial gowns. "Stacy is a driver of progress and performance," says The Roasterie Founder Danny O'Neill. "She is always passionate about results and outcomes. A natural leader with a unique personality and effective personal style, Stacy engages team members to gain the best and most timely results. Team Roasterie relies on and respects her insight, organization, follow-through and implementation." "I am humbled to have been chosen to join these stellar professionals," Barter says. "I look forward to learning more about community issues, exploring diversified segments of Kansas City and becoming more civically involved." Because of the wide-ranging and diverse scope of her job, Barter is well-versed in Kansas City and its growth, in addition to its current and future challenges. She regularly interacts with high-profile city and civic leaders to achieve not only The Roasterie's goals, but to help accomplish community initiatives. A native of Independence, Missouri, Barter resides in Buckner with her husband, Phil, and their twin daughter and son. The Roasterie's Stacy Barter Named to KC Chamber of Commerce Centurions Leadership Program, Class of 2020