It is during this time of the year that we all get to take a break. We tend to relax more and enjoy the conviviality with fellow workers, community members, our church congregation, friends and most of all our families.
It is only natural that we are busy in a different way and we let our hair down and also our guard down. But this is the season to enjoy and go back to the message of hope given by Christmas and look forward to a New Year.
Amidst these celebrations, let us still be reminded of our safety and those of others. Here is RESCUE.COM.PH’s Christmas and New Year Safety Tips.
I. Christmas Decorations and Christmas Lights
Christmas will not be complete with decorations and lights. It is part of tradition and gives a joyful atmosphere at home and in places of work. Just remember these safety reminders.
1. Always buy Christmas Lights from reputable stores and shops. Make sure that these lights have the ICC Stamp on their boxes and containers. Check out the wires, if these are too thin, then these are substandard. Do not buy them. They are a fire hazard.
2. Buy Christmas decorations that do not shatter when dropped. These pose a hazard to all including pets.
3. Christmas decorations must be chosen not to contain lead in their paint or its composition. Lead can lead to poisoning when touched, and/or ingested by children and pets.
4. Make sure that the connections for the Christmas Lights have their own independent outlets or sockets. Do not use “Octopus” connections when powering your Christmas lights. These are fire hazards.
5. Before installing the lights, plug them in and observe for any warping, unnecessary heat, smell or smoke. If any of these are observed, then dispose of the lights. Test each set of lights that will be installed.
6. Never leave Christmas Lights on overnight. These might be subject to overheating and is a fire hazard.
7. Never let children and pets have access to the lights.
II. Cooking
Christmas is associated with a family feast and dishes that will be given to the guests that arrive. A lot of preparation is needed aside from the actual cooking.
1. Buy only from reputable stores and make sure that all ingredients are fresh when bought fom the wet market.
2. Make sure that all cooking utensils (knives, spatulas, cutting board, etc.) are clean. Always clean them before and after cooking preparations.
3. For those who use LPG stoves, make sure that the LPG tank has no leaks. These can be verified by putting soapy water on the joints or nozzles that cannot to the tank. If there are bubbles, turn off the valve and acquire a new one. Also check the gas hoses leading to the stove.
4. Make sure that children and pets are kept away from open flame at all times when cooking.
5. In cases of cooking oil flaming, always keep a wet rag beside the cooking area to put out the flames. Do not use water since it will only spread the flame.
6. Turn off the main valve of the LPG tank after each cooking.
7. Keep sharp utensils away from pets and children.
8. Make sure food containers and trays have been washed prior to putting cooked food.
9. Food that have not been consumed and are still in plates must be discarded.
10. Refrigerate immediately all food in cooking containers when not consumed.
11. In case of food poisoning or any symptoms (vomiting, loose bowel movement) immediately bring to the nearest Hospital Emergency Room
III. Fire Crackers
Filipino culture always has been identified with using firecrackers during New Year celebrations. RESCUE.COM.PH strongly discourages the use of firecrackers even by adults. The risks are simply too high. But here are safety reminders for those who wish to celebrate using firecrackers.
1. Do not use fire crackers
2. Buy firecrackers only from shops and stores that have certificates of compliance from authorities.
3. Do not buy fire crackers that have strong exploding actions (Bawang, Super Lolo, Pla pla, Goodbye Bakla, Goodbye Philippines, etc.). These are illegal and are considered explosive devices.
4. Never allow children to use fire crackers.
5. Do not use hand directly when lighting up a fire cracker fuse. Use a stick to light up all fuses.
6. Unexploded fire crackers should immediately be doused with water.
7. Point rockets upward when using them.
8. Do not use fire crackers when under the influence of alcohol.
9. Always have water available in dousing fire crackers that have gone awry.
10. Have the contact numbers of the police and the Bureau of Fire Protection handy.
11. In cases of fire cracker burns, douse with cold water and then go to the nearest Hospital Emergency Room.
12. Do not eat food after handling fire crackers.
13. Do not use fire crackers.
RESCUE.COM.PH sends its warmest greetings and wishes everybody a Safe Merry Christmas and a Safe Happy New Year!
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