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Fire prevention unit offers safety tips as festive season continues

Contact: Shannon Lebourne

Wednesday 8 December 2010 – As Saint Lucians continue to usher in the festive season, the Fire and Emergency Services is calling on drivers to be extremely cautious when traversing the island roadways given the traditional increase in vehicular collisions and accidents during this time of year.

 Assistant Divisional Officer of the Fire Prevention Unit Mr George Victorine urges drivers to adhere to the law and refrain from drinking and driving.

“We are encouraging drivers who may be going out during the season to a party where they will be consuming alcohol to ensure that they have a designated driver who will be able to take them home safely. The driver also needs to be mindful that due to the passage of Hurricane Tomas some of the roads are not in the best conditions and they should be extremely vigilant especially when travelling at night.”

Meanwhile the Fire and Emergency Services is also  encouraging citizens to take the necessary precautions to safeguard the lives and property during the festive season. Victorine says fire prevention should be a key focus.

“We are encouraging members of the public to be on guard for the festive season. We know this is usually a time of heightened activity especially around the home; usually,  this is a a time of accidents and fires.

“We know a lot of families like their Christmas trees, so we ask that they purchase trees that are not too dry.  Citizens must ensure that they use properly inspected Christmas lights with the laboratory label. They must also ensure that the lights are not broken,  cracked or have loose connections. Any damaged light sets should be discarded.”

The Fire Department is advising all citizens to unplug Christmas lights before leaving their homes or going to bed and never run wires or cords beneath rugs or carpets.

Children should not be left unattended at any time.

The Saint Lucia Fire and Emergency Services say once these guidelines are adhered to citizens should have a safe and enjoyable festive season.

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