5 Things: More Toys for Tots Drop Off Spots, Fire Safety Tips, and More

1. Today's Weather from the National Weather Service

• Today: Sunny, with a high near 40. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
• Toight: Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Calm wind.

2. King Philip Sports Today

• Boys' Hockey at North Quincy (scrimmage)
• Girls' Hockey at Milford, 4:10 p.m.
• Wrestling at Milford 7:00 p.m.

3. Toys for Tots in Plainville

The Plainville Public Library is currently collecting new, unopened toys for Toys for Tots through Thursday. Donations can be dropped off at the Plainville Library until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday.

4. Plainville Athletic League/Wrentham Youth Baseball Softball Fundraiser

The Plainville Athletic League recently announced that they will be holding a Las Vegas Night along with Wrentham Youth Baseball Softball on March 2 from 6:00 p.m. - midnight at the North Attleboro Elk's Lodge. The evening will help support Plainville Athletic League and Wrentham Youth baseball/softball. More information is expected to be announced during the new year.

5. Fire Tips from the American Red Cross

As the holiday season moves into full swing, the American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts urges our friends follow simple safety tips to keep the season merry and to prevent holiday fires.

We ask that you share these tips with your audience, and know we can also provide you with local preparedness experts who can talk about safety during the holidays.

Christmas Tree Care

• Purchase flame retardant metallic or artificial trees.
• If you purchase a real tree, make sure it has fresh, green needles that aren't easily broken.
• Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water.
• Use a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over.
• Keep trees at least three feet away from heat sources, including fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.
• Make sure light strings and other decorations for the tree are in good condition. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for their use.
• Don’t use anything with frayed electrical cords.
• Never drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree.
• Never put tree branches or needles into a fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Don’t leave dried-out trees in a house or garage, or placed against the house or garage.
• Safely dispose of trees through recycling centers or community pick-up services as they become dry and needles begin to drop. 

Holiday Lights and Decorations

• Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets by not linking more than three light strands.
• Use flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations.
• Place decorations at least three feet away from fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.

Holiday Candles

• Always extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to bed.
• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.
• Keep candles at least three feet away from trees, evergreens, holiday decorations, and other items that can catch fire such as clothing, papers and curtains.
• Use candle holders that are study, won't tip over easily, are made from non-flammable materials, and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
• Remember that even glass holders can shatter and explode from the heat of a candle flame.
• Place candles where they cannot be reached or easily knocked over by children and pets.