Limerick Fire and Rescue Service is urging members of the public to put fire safety at the top of their Christmas lists this year.
The call was made as the Fire Service confirmed that Brigades throughout Limerick were mobilised to 81 incidents during the 2012 Christmas period, representing a 17% decrease (down from 98) on the number of festive fire callouts during 2011.
The majority of emergency call-outs for the period December 20th 2012 to January 6th 2013 were attended by Limerick City Fire Brigade (48), followed by Rathkeale (12), Newcastle West (9), Cappamore (6), Kilmallock (3), Abbeyfeale (3) and Foynes (0).
Limerick Chief Fire Officer Michael Ryan is urging the public to maintain the downward trend by familiarising themselves with the fire safety advice available on the Council websites, www.lcc.ie or www.limerickcity.ie.
Mr. Ryan continued: “Christmas is a time for celebrating with families but it also is a time when extra fire hazards appear such as fairy lights, candles, open fires and decorations. I encourage householders across Limerick to think about fire safety ahead of and during the Christmas period to avoid the risk of their Christmas being ruined.”
According to Mr. Ryan, the main causes of fire during the festive season are candles left unprotected, fairylights left on all night or improperly wired, Christmas trees falling over, open fires without fireguards, and decorations catching fire.
He continued: “Open fires are also used for longer periods during the Christmas period as people spend a lot more time at home. Electrical items and extension leads are used more. Add in flammable decorations, candles and alcohol and it becomes apparent that the risks increase during the festive season.”
“Limerick Fire and Rescue Service wishes everyone a safe Christmas and a happy New Year. We wish to remind members of the public to brief themselves with our safety tips to ensure that their holidays are not ruined by fire incidents,” he added.
FIRE SAFETY TIPS:
- Install a smoke alarm and check it weekly.
- Always use a proper candleholder and make sure the candle fits firmly inside it. Leave plenty of space above and around the candle and candleholder
- Keep candles away from curtains, Christmas cards and anything that can catch fire
- Never leave candles unattended or go to sleep when they are alight
- Make sure your Christmas tree has a good base or is attached to the wall. Remember that trees dry out and make very good fuel to start a fire.
- Be careful with any decorations placed near the fireplace
- Visit any elderly neighbours. Smoke alarms make good presents as they are for life…saving life.
In the event of a fire in your home “Get Out, Stay Out And Call the Fire Brigade Out”. The Fire Service can be contacted by dialling 999/112.
The call was made as the Fire Service confirmed that Brigades throughout Limerick were mobilised to 81 incidents during the 2012 Christmas period, representing a 17% decrease (down from 98) on the number of festive fire callouts during 2011.
The majority of emergency call-outs for the period December 20th 2012 to January 6th 2013 were attended by Limerick City Fire Brigade (48), followed by Rathkeale (12), Newcastle West (9), Cappamore (6), Kilmallock (3), Abbeyfeale (3) and Foynes (0).
Limerick Chief Fire Officer Michael Ryan is urging the public to maintain the downward trend by familiarising themselves with the fire safety advice available on the Council websites, www.lcc.ie or www.limerickcity.ie.
Mr. Ryan continued: “Christmas is a time for celebrating with families but it also is a time when extra fire hazards appear such as fairy lights, candles, open fires and decorations. I encourage householders across Limerick to think about fire safety ahead of and during the Christmas period to avoid the risk of their Christmas being ruined.”
According to Mr. Ryan, the main causes of fire during the festive season are candles left unprotected, fairylights left on all night or improperly wired, Christmas trees falling over, open fires without fireguards, and decorations catching fire.
He continued: “Open fires are also used for longer periods during the Christmas period as people spend a lot more time at home. Electrical items and extension leads are used more. Add in flammable decorations, candles and alcohol and it becomes apparent that the risks increase during the festive season.”
“Limerick Fire and Rescue Service wishes everyone a safe Christmas and a happy New Year. We wish to remind members of the public to brief themselves with our safety tips to ensure that their holidays are not ruined by fire incidents,” he added.
FIRE SAFETY TIPS:
- Install a smoke alarm and check it weekly.
- Always use a proper candleholder and make sure the candle fits firmly inside it. Leave plenty of space above and around the candle and candleholder
- Keep candles away from curtains, Christmas cards and anything that can catch fire
- Never leave candles unattended or go to sleep when they are alight
- Make sure your Christmas tree has a good base or is attached to the wall. Remember that trees dry out and make very good fuel to start a fire.
- Be careful with any decorations placed near the fireplace
- Visit any elderly neighbours. Smoke alarms make good presents as they are for life…saving life.
In the event of a fire in your home “Get Out, Stay Out And Call the Fire Brigade Out”. The Fire Service can be contacted by dialling 999/112.
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