Safe Homes

  Sesame Street is known as the television show that taught generations of kids how to read, be compassionate and get along in a racially diverse world. Holly Robinson Peete, daughter of the Street’s Gordon, is carrying on Sesame Street’s educational mission. Along with raising her kids and pursuing an acting career, Peete finds time to teach children and parents about fire safety.

   Peete, who has four children — a twin boy and girl who just turned 11, and  2- and 6-year-old boys — graduated from Sarah Lawrence.  She acted in Sesame Street as a child and says her daughter is a huge fan of Broadway musicals. She worked with Liberty Mutual to develop the tips below.

Holly’s Holiday Fire Safety Tips

• Keep decorations, wreaths and trees at least three feet from heat sources such as candles, fireplaces and space heaters.

• Before putting them up, inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked plugs, and excessive kinking or wear.

• Keep candles out of reach from children and pets, and never leave a lit candle unattended for any period of time.  Trim the wicks to one-quarter of an inch to avoid high flames, and remember to leave a one-foot circle of safety around any burning candle in your home.