Christmas Message from Chief Fire Officer - Let's Be Fire Smart

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Fires may occur at any given time of year, month, week or day, but there are certain times when the risk or likelihood of a fire increases. One such high-risk period is during the Christmas season.

This increase in fire risk and personal injury comes about because of the traditional behaviour of people around this time. In most instances, persons mean well as they set about to host and entertain friends and family, while treating them to the traditional Christmas lunch or dinner.

This, of course, is preceded by putting up many decorative lights. Additionally, the use of decorative and aromatic candles, increased electrical usage by way of appliances and lighting, long curtains near the stove, frequent open flames through the cooking of many dishes, can contribute to fire hazards. Also, children as well as adults becoming fatigued from shopping and house cleaning.

These events can lead to complacency, carelessness, neglect and, eventually, unforeseen emergencies. Persons become so engrossed in the traditions of the season that sometimes common sense and prudence, overshadowed by the sights and sounds of Christmas, and benevolence and safety concerns are forgotten.

I am imploring the general public to enjoy the festive season, but be responsible as you go about your activities. While you may not be able to eliminate the imposed risk, you can certainly make a concerted effort at managing it.

The Barbados Fire Service has been working assiduously to educate the public in the areas of fire prevention and fire safety. We have heightened awareness in the value of installing smoke alarms and extinguishers in private homes, businesses and other buildings.

Based on statistics so far for this year, we have experienced a significant reduction in fire calls when compared to previous years (please see table). This is obviously not an occasion when the service should be resting on its laurels, but rather strengthen its efforts to ensure the downward trend is sustained.

Of course, the responsiveness of the public to our fire safety messages and the increasing consciousness of property owners about safeguarding their investments, have contributed in no small way to the results we are now seeing.

One area of concern not mentioned in the statistics is the frequency with which the Fire Service is called out for false or malicious reports.

Those calls resulted in the service being mobilised 116 times in 2007, 138 times in 2008 and 120 times so far this year. It is a significant waste of resources which could otherwise be utilised in legitimate activities.

We are imploring members of the public who find this amusing to desist from this practice. We want, however, the interest in and commitment to safety to continue. It will greatly assist us if the public could follow the safety tips listed below to aid them in having a blessed and fire-free Christmas.

By Lloydson Phillips - Acting Chief Fire Officer

Comments

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