As Christmas approaches, Mr. Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government urges the public to be vigilant against fire risks while enjoying the festivities with family and friends.
"Christmas is approaching; a time to relax and unwind. Follow these Christmas Fire Safety Tips and I hope you will have a very enjoyable and fire free Christmas":
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent – the heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Choose decorations that are flame-retardant, non-combustible and non-conductive and never use lighted candles on the tree.
Only buy Christmas lights marked with a safety standard. Inspect light strings/sets before use, check for cracked bulbs and for frayed, broken or exposed wires, and discard if faulty. Turn off and unplug all lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
Use the proper lights for the environment – indoor light strings/sets should not be used outdoors because they lack weatherproof connections. Some outdoor light strings/sets burn too hot indoors.
If burning candles, always use an appropriate candleholder placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Keep candles away from drafts, curtains and strings of Christmas cards. Aerosol cans containing decorative paint, artificial snowflakes, foam or glitter are expelled by flammable gases and should not be used near naked flames.
Don't use Christmas trees for firewood and never burn gift wrappings, boxes, cartons, or other types of packing in the fireplace. Remember not to hang Christmas stockings from the mantel when the fireplace is in use.
Always extinguish candles and fires before leaving the house or going to bed and never leave them unattended. Clean the ashes regularly and place them in a metal container and store outside away from flammable materials.
Extinguish cigarettes properly and do not let ashtrays get overfilled.
Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to make and practice your fire escape plan.