During the Festive Season in Seychelles, families are happily busy wrapping gifts, decorating the house and enjoying each other’s company. Unfortunately, it’s also a time of year when people tend to overlook a critically important topic – fire safety.
Using holiday lights, using flammable synthetic Christmas trees, unattended burning candles, an increase of BBQing and cooking etc all increase the risk of home fires related deaths and injuries during the holidays.
To help prevent residential fires and reduce the risk of personal injury, here are our safety tips for preventing fires this Festive Season in Seychelles.
- Carefully plan where your tree will be positioned. Make sure it is a safe distance from any heat source and doesn’t block an exit.
- Select holiday decorations and synthetic Christmas tress that are flame resistant, flame retardant or made with non- flammable materials
- Do not overload electrical outlets; turn off and unplug decorations before going to sleep or leaving the house.
- Never leave burning candles unattended, and keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials, including Christmas trees.
- Always keep an eye on the stove or BBQ when cooking for holiday visitors.
- Test smoke alarms and replace batteries as needed. Replace smoke alarm units every 10 years or sooner.
- Place fire extinguishers on every level of the home, including in kitchens, hallways and garages. Ensure that each adult family member knows where every fire extinguisher is located and knows how to use one.
- Develop and practice a fire escape plan with the whole family. Plan two exit routes for each room, and practice your escape plan at night to mimic the most difficult fire situation you might encounter. Never re-enter a burning home. Be sure that someone is responsible for waking young children and escorting them to safety.
Do you have an other ideas how to make this festive season even safer for for families here in Seychelles? Let us know. . . Be safe, and have a very Merry Christmas!
