The National Fire Authority (NFA) advises home owners to be mindful of fire safety following the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Winston.

Electrical problems, use of candles, kerosene lanterns, mosquito coils, etc can lead to a major fire at home. Home owners are advised to take extra care to ensure their home is fire safe.

NFA Chief Fire Officer Qionilau Moceitai said it is very important that home owners are mindful of fire safety whenever they use candles, mosquito coils, kerosene lanterns, etc while there is no electricity at home.

Also home owners must be mindful that they check the electrical wirings for their appliances to ensure there is no damage caused by the cyclone as it can lead to a fire.

Mr Moceitai also advises business owners to conduct fire safety inspections of their properties to minimize the risk of an electrical fire.

Home owners are advised to be mindful of the following fire safety tips:

• Check for gas leaks.
• Don't use electric appliances if wet.
• Place candles and mosquito coils on a metal surface and near your sight.
• Extinguish candles, mosquito coils before going to bed.
• Don’t refill a lantern while it is on.
• Matches/lighters must always be placed on a high place or in a locked cupboard out of children’s reach.