Caution vs firecrackers, faulty Christmas lights raised Taguig, BFP steps up fire prevention campaign for Yuletide season

The city government of Taguig and the local Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) launched an information dissemination campaign to increase awareness among citizens and the business community on fire safety this Yuletide season, especially on the hazards of sub-standard Christmas lights and the irresponsible use of firecrackers.

 Mayor Lani Cayetano said the local government is in constant coordination with the fire department to ensure that the Christmas season will be safe, secure and fire-free.

 The BFP said that aside from March, the month of December is a perennial period for fire safety as it usually registers a high number of fire cases mostly caused by malfunctioning or overheating Christmas lights and firecracker-related incidents.

 Mayor Lani said the city government is issuing a relentless reminder to all its local residents to observe caution when putting up Christmas lights while celebrating the holidays.

 She added that the public should consider safety first when installing Christmas lights and lanterns, and make sure the products they are using passed the safety and quality standards inspection.

 “We should be aware of the importance of fire safety as the country celebrates Christmas and New Year because lives, limbs and properties are at stake. It pays to be safe than sorry,” Mayor Lani said.

 In December 2012, BFP-NCR recorded 12 incidents of fire in one day alone, seven of which are related to malfunctioning Christmas decorations.

 The city government will also conduct dialogues with various barangay and community leaders to inform, educate and remind residents on the importance of fire safety.

 For its part, BFP said people should take into consideration the “outdoor” and “indoor” usage of Christmas lights as specified in the product information, and that there should be no exposed wirings in the connections when putting it on display.

 “Marapat lamang na piliin ang DTI-certified lights at dapat meron itong import commodity clearance o ICC sticker sa wire o package. Kumpleto rin dapat ang pangalan at address ng importer o distributor ng produkto para masiguro ang kalidad ng binibiling Christmas lights,” Chief Insp. Juanito Maslang, Taguig fire officer-in-charge, said.

 Burnt-out bulbs should also be replaced and when using modern lights, which are equipped with fused plugs and LED bulbs, BFP said to never leave it running when going to bed at night or when leaving the residence. ###