5 Things Nov. 30: Gift Card Promotions, Holiday Decoration Safety Tips

Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section.

1. Gift card promotions
McMahon’s Countryside Grille is offering a gift card promotion from now through Sunday, Dec. 2. Buy $100 in gift cards and receive a $20 gift card free. Buy $50 in gift cards and receive a $10 gift card free. Emma's will be selling $100 worth of gift cards for $80 (cash only) through Dec. 24.

2. EPOCH Toys for Tots drive
EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Norton is hosting a Toys for Tots drive through mid-December. Drop off unopened toys for a child in need at any time.

3. Music and Movement, Dinosaur Scene
Children’s Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton, will hold a Music and Movement class 10 a.m. and a Dinosaur Scene program 1 p.m. Music and Movement explores sound through singing and playing. Move, make music, listen, learn, and get a multi-sensory workout. In Dinosaur Scene, children can use different kinds of materials to create a prehistoric habitat. All programs are free with admission unless stated otherwise. Admission is $11 for adults and children, $10 for seniors 60 and older, free for children younger than 1 and members. Teachers are always free—with or without students. For more information visit www.discoverymuseums.org.

4. Holiday decoration safety tips
More than 130 people die each year as a result of fires caused by Christmas trees or candles, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Those fires also result in more than $375 million worth of property damage a year, according to the CPSC study from 2006 to 2008.
Here are some decoration safety reminders from Amica and the CPSC:

• Make sure Christmas trees are fresh before bringing them home. Fresh trees have needles that are hard to pull from branches and don’t break when bent between two fingers.
• Place the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces and radiators. Water the tree frequently, so that it doesn’t dry out and become a fire safety risk.
• Check all Christmas tree lights for cracks, frayed wires or loose connections. Dispose of damaged lights, and don’t use electric lights on metallic trees.
• Use candles sparingly and with supervision. When leaving the room or house, or just going to bed for the night, extinguish all candles.
• Put candles on heat-resistant surfaces that are out of reach of children or pets. Make sure candles are far away from Christmas trees, other decorations and curtains, which can all ignite and burn easily.