Be mindful of fire safety

As people from all over the country will switch of the lights for one hour during this Earth Hour campaign on Saturday, the National Fire Authority (NFA) would like to remind the members of the community to be mindful of fire safety at their home during this Earth Hour campaign.

NFA CEO John O'Connor is advising members of the community to take extra care with the use of candles, prayer diyas and other ignition sources at home when the lights are turned off during the Earth Hour campaign.

"Members of the community should be mindful of fire safety measures at home when resorting to candles, prayer diyas and kerosene lanterns to light up their homes.

"Any sort of distraction can cause a fire at home," Mr O'Connor said.

"Members of the community must never leave candles and prayer diyas unattended in their house.

"Home owners must ensure that candles and prayer diyas are placed in a metal surface and must ensure that they extinguish the candles before going to bed," Mr O'Connor said.

"When the Earth Hour period is over or before going to bed, home owners must ensure that they put out these fire ignition sources because if left unattended, these fire ignition sources can start a fire.

"Likewise members of the community should exercise extra care with the use of mosquito coils at home, home owners must ensure that mosquito coils are put in a metal surface and should be kept away from curtains, beds and sofas.

"Parents or guardians have to keep a watchful eye on their children and matches and lighters should be kept out of children's reach," Mr O'Connor said.

The NFA CEO has also pledged NFA's support towards this Earth Hour Campaign.

"NFA stations all around the country will switch off the lights during this Earth Hour campaign to contribute globally towards the protection of our Planet Earth," Mr O'Connor said.

"A major concern for NFA would be the protection of our environment and communities from the harmful and painful effects of fires which destroy homes and our environment if we are not careful.

"We firmly believe that the prevention of unnecessary fires can contribute to a safe, green and healthy community and environment," Mr O'Connor added.