"
The survey revealed nine out of 10 homeowners will decorate with interior
lights this holiday season.
-- Keep electrical connections dry and away from standing water.

* An exclusive USA TODAY TECH map that answers the question: Are people in
your county ahead of the tech curve?

* An exclusive USA TODAY poll of Americans: What's your fear factor with
technology?

* Top editors' picks on key products such as digital cameras, laptops and
HDTVs from CNET. With a total
average daily circulation of 2.3 million, USA TODAY is available worldwide .

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Though they may be pretty to look at, decorative
lights can pose a dangerous threat if not used properly. Of those people, 12 percent don't always use non-combustible
holders, which increases the risk of a holiday fire due to wrapping paper and
combustible decorations typically found in homes . Use a timer
so that lights are on only during the hours you select.

customs celebrated

Make sure artificial trees are flame retardant.

* Digital imaging: How to take better photos, make better videos , and buy
the right stuff. It is published via
satellite at 36 locations in the USA and at four sites abroad.com, an award-winning news and information Web site
that is updated 24 hours per day.

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According to the U.
Informa Research Services Inc.

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-- Discard any that have cracked or frayed wiring or that work
intermittently. It will be available at newsstands nationwide
including book, grocery, drug and convenience stores.

parodies originated

ABOUT PEMCO INSURANCE
PEMCO Insurance, established in 1949, is a Seattle-based provider of auto,
home, boat, life , and umbrella insurance to Washington state residents.

* How to's, Q+A's with experts, and stories on using and buying
technology. (NYSE: GCI).

historians christmas

-- Don't overload electrical outlets , especially in older homes.pemco.com

The 80-page consumer technology magazine's features will include:

* Technology for the home and office, entertainment, car and your life.com .

This category is for Christmas traditions around the world.

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, For the first time, USA TODAY will
publish a glossy consumer technology magazine.

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CONTACTS:

Jon Osterberg (206) 628 -4019 Mark Firmani (206) 443-9357
PEMCO Insurance Firmani + Associates , Inc.

* Setting up a home theatre: What to look for when you buy one.

doll myths

"
The poll also revealed that 90 percent of Washington homeowners say they
burn candles. PEMCO
sees too many claims caused by overloaded electrical cords and running
too many strings together.

Complete results of the PEMCO Northwest Insurance Poll can be found at
http://www.

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According to Jon Osterberg, PEMCO spokesman, most of the fire-related
accidents around the holidays are easily avoidable. PEMCO
Insurance is sold by community agents throughout the state and through PEMCO
offices.
USA TODAY is published by Gannett Co.

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"While that may seem
harmless enough, all it takes is a frayed wire and a dry Christmas tree to
start a house fire.
Interestingly , 92 percent of homeowners without children always burn
candles in non-combustible holders compared to 83 percent of those with
children under 18 years old, the poll showed.com. The cover price will be $4.

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MCLEAN, Va.

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-- Use only outdoor-rated lights and extension cords.

originated icon

Parched Christmas trees and wrapping paper can ignite around hot lights. This has a dual
purpose -- it can also help you save on your energy bill!
-- Thoroughly inspect all holiday lights each year before putting them up.95.

It may also include traditions of particular religious or ethnic groups.

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"We know that almost one-fourth of homeowners fail to turn off holiday
lights before they leave their home," said Osterberg.S. of Seattle conducted the poll. For more information, visit http://www .

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"The most-common problem PEMCO sees is people who reuse old tree lights
year after year, and people who string too many lights together," said
Osterberg.
-- Never use lighted candles on trees or in decorations. The sample
size, 600 respondents, yields an accuracy of +/- 4 percent at the 95 percent
confidence level.pemco.

mistletoe myths

"We found 74 percent of the women asked said they always turn off holiday
lights, but only 66 percent of men say they always remember to pull the plug.

ABOUT THE POLL
PEMCO Insurance commissioned the independent, statewide survey that asked
Washington homeowners several questions about home maintenance and other
issues.
The magazine will go on sale the week of October 17th to ring in the
holiday buying season.
USA TODAY is the nation's top-selling newspaper.

exchanging historians

The magazine, titled USA TODAY
NOW Personal Technology, will be a how-to guide to educate readers on the
latest consumer electronics products and trends, and to make the overall
consumer tech-buying experience more user-friendly. A minimum of 300,000
copies will be printed., Inc.

originated historians

Why take the risk? They're cheap to replace. In other words, if this study was conducted 100 times, in 95
instances the data will not vary by more than +/- 4 percent.

"We are always exploring new opportunities to expand the USA TODAY brand
and a technology guide was an obvious first choice for us given our editorial
staff's expertise on the topic. This magazine will guide our readers through
all of their technology buying decisions this holiday season," said USA TODAY
President and Publisher Craig Moon.

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PEMCO Northwest Insurance Poll Reveals Washingtonians Could Use a Few Holiday Safety Tips

It's True: Men Do Leave the Lights On

SEATTLE, A survey by Washington insurer PEMCO
reveals that while holiday decorations and lights might raise holiday spirits,
some Washington homeowners use them unsafely, putting themselves and their
families at risk."
The PEMCO Northwest Insurance Poll revealed that overall, 20 percent of
homeowners sometimes or always leave their indoor holiday lights on when they
leave home. PEMCO encourages people to never leave holiday lights unattended.

* No fear shopping: How to shop without being intimidated by the geek
behind the counter.

exchanging celebrated

"Our poll also confirms what many wives have said for a long time -- men
are more prone to leave the lights on when no one's home," noted Osterberg.
There's also a chance that undetected cracked or frayed electrical cords can
start a fire.

To help homeowners reduce the risk of a fire or injury, PEMCO recommends
the following safety tips:
-- Unplug Christmas lights when you leave home or go to bed.

USA TODAY to Publish Consumer Technology Guide Magazine

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Fire Administration, fires occurring during the
holiday season injure 2,600 individuals and cause over $930 million in damages
annually .com.
mark@firmani.

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Be sure to heed warning labels that tell you
how much electrical current is appropriate.
-- Keep live Christmas trees well-watered so that they won't dry out and
become a fire hazard.
-- Burn candles only in non-combustible holders, like metal or glass. USA TODAY also
publishes USA TODAY Sports Weekly, a magazine for pro baseball and football
enthusiasts; and USATODAY.

folklore celebrated

On December 24, 25 and 26, fire deaths, injuries, and dollar loss
increase by an average of 50 percent, 61 percent, and 43 percent respectively. "When lights work intermittently or start shorting out, throw them
away.

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