SKNVibes.com News: Message of Fire Prevention will continue into new yearBy VonDez Phipps
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THROUGHOUT the last year, the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services has made great strides in educating the general public in fire prevention and safety tips, an initiative it intends on strengthening for the new year.
In a December 30 interview with SKNVibes, Fire Sub-station Officer at the St. Kitts Fire Prevention Office Clarence Hendrickson stressed the importance of understanding and observing fire safety tips.
He said once aware of the dangers involved in overlooking fire safety tips, individuals can be fully able to prevent fires, safeguard their property and know how to respond in case of fire-related casualty.
Hendrickson noted that especially during the Christmas season, persons must pay particular attention to the proper use of power strips. He urged the general public not to overload power strips and stated that Christmas trees and decorative lights should be unplugged when no one is at home.
“A common mistake people make is passing electrical cords under their rugs. Rugs are made from oil-based materials which generate heat. Applying additional heat to these cords over a period of time, the insulators will get overheated and damaged causing the live and neutral wires to touch, resulting in a fire.
“Also, in the case of lighting and extinguishing matches, many persons fail to follow fire safety tips. People have a tendency to turn on the gas before they light the match. Sometimes, excess gas vapour is emitted and igniting the match after may cause an explosion. So people must be cautious to light the match first.
Also, after using a match, it is advised that you extinguish the lighted match with water to ensure that the match does not automatically re-ignite. Some persons may also put the used match right back into the box with the other matches which is not wise at all as it too can cause fire.”
He further stated that individuals should ensure that all appliances not in use are unplugged. Hendrickson also discouraged the public from cooking when feeling tired or sleepy and said individuals should not go to bed smoking.
“We are pleased to announce that there has been a significant reduction in the cases of fires which may suggest that persons are observing the fire safety tips more.
We intend to start the Fire Awareness programmes in which we will be going around to schools, hotels and business places to have lectures on fire prevention and safety tips.”
Hendrickson said the Department has made a concerted effort to educate and sensitize people to the causes of fires and equip them with the knowledge of how to respond in the case of a fire. He said that through the Fire Summer Safety Programme, “each one is reaching one to get the message around”.
He thanked the general public for its full cooperation this year and said he is looking forward to its continued support in the upcoming year.
