Christmas fire safety appeal

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has called for people to heed the Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Christmas Fire Safety Appeal which calls for people to be ‘fire aware during the holiday period’.
“The facts show that the festive period brings with it additional fire hazards. Within an 18 day period last Christmas, the Fire Services were called out to 60 house fires, an average of between three to four fires a day,” said Ní Chuilín.
“In almost 25 per cent of these fires there was either, no smoke alarm or one that didn’t work.
“The economic recession is making it difficult for families to manage a budget and at the same time provide their children with a festive Christmas but I would appeal to everyone not to be tempted to take risks with fire safety.
“In 50% of deaths, caused by fire in the home, the smoke alarm was faulty and failed to work. Make sure your fire alarm is working and if you don’t have one get one.
“Don’t use faulty electrical equipment and make sure that electrical equipment, including festive lights, don’t over heat and are switched off when not in use. “Make certain that all naked flames are put out at night and when the house is unoccupied.
“Enjoy the Christmas period but exercise care and ensure that there are no possible fire hazards within your home.
“If a fire should start don’t be tempted to deal with it yourself. Get everyone out of the house immediately and call the Fire Service.
“Property is replaceable, a life is not. Detailed information on fire safety and what to do in the case of a fire can be found on the Fire Service’s web site at http://www.nifrs.org/home_page.php or by contacting, the Corporate Communications Officer, Tel 02892 664221 or Mb 07789208811 or the Temporary Corporate Communications Officer, Tel 02892 664221 during office hours.”