Home safety to the fore during the festive period

IT’S not just Santa Claus who will benefit from chimneys being cleaned in the town, with Ennis homeowners being urged to remember the importance of fire safety during the festive season.

At this week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, a notice of motion was made by Councillor Brian Meaney asking the council to request all homeowners in Ennis to ensure that all chimneys are cleaned prior to the visit of Santa on Christmas Eve.
Adrian Kelly, chief fire officer, welcomed the motion on behalf of Clare County Council Fire and Rescue Service, emphasising the necessity of fire safety awareness in the home, not just during the Christmas period but also throughout the year.
He outlined that between December 2010 and January 2011 there were 18 fatalities in fires throughout the country, with two of those fatalities in Clare.
“Fire alarms were either not present or working in the majority of cases. Many more people have been injured while there were a large number of properties damaged by fire. This magnitude of fire deaths serves as a stark reminder to us all of the importance of installing working smoke detectors and the need to have an escape plan should it be necessary to evacuate,” he stated.
Meanwhile, with under three weeks to go until Christmas, Clare County Fire and Rescue Service is reminding householders of the basics of fire safety in the home.
“During the Christmas period, people spend a lot more time at home, open fires are used for longer periods, electrical items and extension leads are used more. Add in flammable decorations, candles and alcohol and it becomes apparent that the risks increase during the festive season.
“The main causes of fire during the festive season are candles left unprotected, fairylights left on all night or improperly wired, Christmas trees falling over, open fires without fireguards and decorations catching fire.”
Last year, Clare County and Fire Service was mobilised to 110 incidents including 65 fires during the Christmas period. Ennis Fire Brigade alone attended 52 incidents in this period.
He outlined a number of fire safety tips:
* Install a smoke alarm and check it weekly.
* Always use a proper candleholder and make sure the candle fits firmly inside it. Leave plenty of space above and around the candle and candleholder.
* Keep candles away from curtains, Christmas cards and anything that can catch fire
* Never leave candles unattended or go to sleep when they are alight
* Make sure your Christmas tree has a good base or is attached to the wall. Remember that trees dry out and make very good fuel to start a fire.
* Be careful with any decorations placed near the fireplace.
* Visit any elderly neighbours
* In the season of giving, smoke alarms make excellent presents, they are for life, saving a life and should be included in any Christmas present list.
“Finally, the Fire Service hopes that Santa rates Ennis as the best town in Ireland for clean chimneys this year,” he concluded.