Residents told: Safety first before lighting up

CEBU City residents were reminded to take the necessary safety precautions  when using Christmas lights and pyrotechnics during the holidays.
SFO4 Jovito Abelgas, operations chief of the Cebu City Fire Department said they usually receive multiple fire alarms especially on Christmas and New Year’s eve when  firecrackers and fireworks used in the celebrations are at its peak.
“If they are using Christmas lights they should not forget to switch it off before they sleep so it won’t overheat,” he told Cebu Daily News.
If residents insist on using fireworks, they should do so in an open area. “They should not use it in a congested area because it might cause accidents and even fire,” Abelgas said.
If firecrackers don’t light up, Abelgas said it should be soaked in water before being disposed of.
“Naa man guy ubang nga pabuto nga dili mo buto dayon unya biyaan ra, mapunitan og bata o bisag kinsa usahay anha pa mobuto (There are fireworks that won’t go off immediately. If discarded, it may be picked up by a child or anyone and then it will explode),” he said. Abelgas said these reminders are part of the Bureau of Fire Protection’s campaign dubbed “Oplan Paalala 2013: Bombero Ako, Tungkulin Ko, Kaligtasan Mo Ngayong Pasko.”
The Visayan Electric Co. (Veco) also gave safety and conservation tips to families.  Veco corporate communications manager Theresa Sedriosa said appliances should be turned off during brownouts.
“Unplug if you will not be in the house when the power is restored. Don’t also overload outlets or extensions,” she said.
Sedriosa said people shouldn’t use candles especially if their house is made of light materials. “Do not let your children play with matches and candles too. If you want to use Christmas lights during this holiday season, choose only those that have Import Commodity Clearance  stickers,” Sedriosa said.
Last week,  three fires hit Cebu City and Mandaue City that left hundreds of people homeless.  Abelgas said they are still investigating the cause of the two fires that broke out in Barangays Carreta and Tejero last Wednesday and in Barangay Quiot, Pardo the following day. /Michelle Joy  L. Padayhag, Correspondent