Festive Time Is A Time To Keep Safe

Firefighters are warning the public to take care and undertake good fire safety practices over the upcoming new year period.

Senior Fire Safety Officer, Mike McEnaney said “barbecues, caravans and boats are the focal point for summer entertaining, but can be death traps if some simple fire safety tips are not followed.”

• Gas bottles and connections should be checked before use.
• Keep looking when you’re cooking.
• Don’t drink and fry.

“At this time of the year, the Fire Service attends an increased number of incidents related to the misuse of BBQs, often with disastrous outcomes. Serious burns and property loss are often the result when BBQ cooking goes bad,” Mike said.

If you are holidaying in a caravan you need to be even more fire safety conscious than at home because the risk of a small fire turning into something serious is far greater.

• Fit smoke alarms to caravans.
• Use proper lighting units or torches – never use candles.
• Have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket and know how to use them.

“One of the biggest fears for boaties is having a fire onboard. Planning for that event could prove crucial to you and your passengers’ survival,” Mike said.

• Firefighting equipment must be maintained and easily accessed.
• Gas or liquid fuel appliances must be properly secured to prevent from overturning.

“The only burn the Fire Service wants to hear about this summer is sunburn,” Mike said.

ENDS

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