The City of Folsom Environmental and Water Resources Department is beginning a new proactive program to inspect City-owned sewer laterals-- underground pipes that connect a residence or business to a sewer line.  The new program consists of closed-circuit television inspection of approximately 22,000 lower sewer laterals over a three-year period to proactively identify and repair sewer lateral issues, effectively reducing the risk of sanitary sewer overflows. Inspection firm Innerline Engineering will perform these services throughout the City. For more information contact Vaughn Fleischbein at 916-351-3415 or vfleischbein@folsom.ca.us .

Many hours of hands-on work by local families, businesses, community groups and city staff go into installing the lights, decorations and displays for the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary's eighth annual Wild Nights and Holiday Lights event. Thousands of feet of bright and colorful light strands, decorated trees and seasonal displays transform the Zoo Sanctuary into a winter wonderland.
To enhance the experience for both visitors and animals alike, zookeepers provide enrichment - special treats or food tucked into cardboard tubes or specially wrapped boxes - for some of the animals. Zoo Sanctuary Docents are on hand to share fun facts and information about the animals.

The event expands this year to include the new Barnyard Experience exhibit, where Santa Claus will visit with guests. Each night of the event includes a performance by local caroling groups and musicians to spread holiday cheer. The Folsom Valley Railway miniature live steam train operates during the event, providing special nighttime rides for kids and adults.

Wild Nights and Holiday Lights is open from 5 to 8 p.m. December 15 through 23, and 26 through 30 (weather permitting; heavy rains will cancel).  Admission is $7/person; free for ages two and under; train tickets are $5/person. All proceeds from the event benefit the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary animals. Tickets may be purchased online or at the gate. For more information, call 355-7285.

Folsom Parks & Recreation holiday camps keep kids active and engaged while they're on school break. Camp selections include a variety of sports and a junior zookeeper camp. Find camp details and register online at http://webtrac.folsom.ca.us or call 916-355-7285 for more information.

Keep storm drains clear and prevent localized flooding by managing the leaves on your property. Rake and remove the leaves in your yard, gutters and sidewalks and place the leaves in your green waste container. Leaves piled on the street can make street sweeping difficult, and can clog street sweeping trucks. Remember that residential households can have up to two green waste (and two recycle) carts with their basic trash rate. You can also include yard waste in your next bulky waste cleanup collection. Leaves and other smaller items should be bagged. To schedule a bulky waste cleanup or to order a second green waste cart, call 916-355-8367 or visit the City's website.

Winter months often see an increase in home fires from holiday season activities. Christmas trees, decorations, candles, and cooking can all present fire risks. Here are a few tips from the Folsom Fire Department on how you can prevent home fires, and have a safe and cheerful holiday with your friends and family.

 

Cooking

• Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, with most cooking fires involving the stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you're frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food. Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop, and turn it off when you leave the kitchen, even if it's for a short period of time.
• If you're simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you're cooking.
• Create a "kid-free zone" of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried.
• If you have a cooking fire, just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 911 or the local emergency number immediately after you leave.
• If you do try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and that you have access to an exit.
• Keep a lid nearby when you're cooking to smother small grease fires. Slide the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Candles

• Candles are widely used in homes throughout the holidays; December is the peak month for home candle fires.
• More than half of all candle fires start because the candles had been too close to things that could catch fire.
• When burning candles, keep them at least 12" away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy, won't tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in the bedroom, where more than one third of home candle fires begin, or other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Never leave a child or pet alone in a room with a burning candle.
• Consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles.

   

Christmas Trees

• U.S. fire departments annually respond to an average of 210 home structure fires caused by Christmas trees per year. Three of every ten are caused by electrical problems, and one in four result from a heat source that's too close to the tree.
• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it's labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant. If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don't fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 2" from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.
• Make sure your tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.
• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer's instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
• After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home.
• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.