Kerry Fire and Rescue would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2007. May it be a safe one for you and yours.
"At Christmas, people should guard against the dangers posed by alcohol. National Safety Council research indicates that alcohol was a pre-fire factor in almost 40% of fire deaths in the last two years. Practicing good fire prevention habits will also reduce the risk of fire in the home."… Advice from Pat Costello, Chief Executive, National Safety Council.
Christmas Trees
• Place real Christmas trees securely in a sturdy base filled with water – metal stands cause trees to dry out and become flammable.
• Check water level daily.
• Artificial trees – ensure it has been pre-treated to increase flame resistance.
• Keep tree away from candles, heaters, fireplaces or other heat sources.
• Dispose of tree properly – never burn a real tree in the fireplace.
Christmas Lights
Indoors :
• Only buy Christmas lights marked with a safety standard.
• Make sure a competent person checks all connections and examines the wiring for fraying.
• If in doubt, throw them out.
• Don’t overload sockets.
• Unplug all Christmas lights and electrical appliances before leaving your home or going to bed.
Outdoors:
• Ensure they are suitable for outdoor use
• Check all wiring and follow manufacturers instructions.
• Fasten the bulbs securely and point the sockets down to avoid moisture building up.
•Never use indoor extension leads outside.
• Keep outdoor electrical connections above ground and out of puddles and snow.
• Ensure trees hung with Christmas lights are not touching power lines.
Candles
A survey undertaken by the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs (ODCA) inspectors found that consumers are very exposed to serious risk due to the lack of warnings in relation to the use of candles and candle-holders.
Of the 482 items inspected 117 or 24.3% failed a visual risk assessment either due to lack of warnings, warnings not provided in English or because the items clearly presented a safety hazard.
REMEMBER WHEN IT COMES TO CANDLES:
• Keep them out of reach of children and pets
• Trim the wick to 6mm (1/4 inch) each time before burning .
• Always use an appropriate candleholder placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface
• Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents and air currents
• Extinguish a candle if it smokes or flickers repeatedly or if the flame becomes too high
• Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times
• Do not burn a candle for longer than manufacturer recommends
• Extinguish the flame if it comes too close to the holder or container
• Place lighted candles at least 75mm apart form one another
• Never place a candle on top of a TV set and keep well away from curtains
• Always extinguish candles before leaving the house or going to bed
• Never use candles on Christmas trees, even artificial ones
• Remember hot wax burns!!
Other Christmas Fire Safety Tips
• Never burn wrapping paper in your fireplace
• Keep strings of Christmas cards away from candles and open fires
• Fit a sparkguard in front of open fires
• Extinguish cigarettes properly and do not let ashtrays get overfilled
• Check that your smoke alarms are in perfect working order
• NEVER remove batteries from smoke alarm to use in childrens toys
