Manila Bulletin, Nov. 15, 2005
Reyes made the appeal after records from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) revealed that at least 332 fire incidents last year were brought about by electrical short circuit due to substandard gadgets and faulty electrical wiring.
"Let us get rid of fire hazards in our own homes and workplaces so that we will all have a joyful and fire-free Christmas," he said.
The DILG Secretary also bared the following guidelines or safety tips from the BFP on how to prevent fires during the Christmas season:
1. Only use light and electrical decoration approved by the Bureau of Product Standards.
2. Do not overload wall outlet and extension cords. Any excess load might result in heating which could cause fire.
3. Check new and old Christmas lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed, or cracked wires and loose connections. Discard damaged sets. Also, check if all lights are securely fastened.
4. Only use lights and decors designated for outdoor use, outside your offices, and homes.
5. Always unplug Christmas lights before replacing light bulbs or fuses.
6. Do not install electrical lights on metallic Christmas trees.
7. Keep all combustible materials like curtains and carpets away from electric light sources. All incandescent light sources produce heat, no matter how small they are and may cause fire.
8. Do not smoke or place lighted candles near Christmas trees or decorations. An open flame may cause fire.
9. Keep children at a safe distance from Christmas lights and other electrically-decorated decorations.
10. Turn off all Christmas lights and decorations before leaving the house or going to bed.
There's a better way. Many of the suggestions above pertain to
decorative lights used only during the Christmas season. If all of us
minimize the use of lights in the first place, we can save a lot of
expensive energy (some of our power plants run on diesel), and also save
money for other needs.
