WICKLOW FIRE SERVICE ISSUES FESTIVE SAFETY TIPS
CHRISTMAS can be a time full of joy in households as people deck the halls and adorn our homes with fairy lights, Christmas trees and festive candles. However, if proper precautions are not taken, these seemingly harmless decorations can put people and their property at risk.
Chief of Wicklow Fire Service Aidan Dempsey has appealed to the public to be safe at this time of year and has shared some useful tips to encourage residents around the county to be safe this Christmas and reduce the risk of any tragic incidents taking place.
Candles are a particular hazard in the home and a recent survey conducted by the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs found that consumers are exposed to serious risk due to the lack of advice available when using candles and candle holder.
Other important advice to note includes taking care regarding indoor and outdoor lights as well as with your Christmas tree which can be highly flammable once dried out.
Keep these out of reach of children and pets;
Trim the wick to 6mm (1/4 inch) each time before burning;
Always use an appropriate candleholder placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface;
Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents and air currents;
Extinguish a candle if it smokes or flickers repeatedly or if the flame becomes too high;
Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches and debris;
Do not burn a candle for longer than manufacturer recommends;
Extinguish the flame if it comes too close to the holder or container;
Place lighted candles at least 75mm apart from one another;
Never place a candle on top of a TV set and keep well away from curtains;
Always extinguish candles before leaving the house or going to bed;
Never use candles on Christ- mas trees, even artificial ones.
Place real Christmas trees securely in a sturdy base filled with water – metal stands can cause trees to dry out and become flammable;
Check water level daily; Ensure artificial trees have been pre-treated to increase flame resistance;
Keep tree away from candles, heaters, fireplaces or other heat sources;
Dispose of tree properly – never burn a real tree in the fireplace.