‘Those gadgets can trigger fires’

This Christmas season, don’t let your celebrations go up in smoke.

Interior Secretary Angelo Reyes warned the public yesterday to exercise caution when using Christmas lights and other gadgets this holiday season.

"Let us get rid of fire hazards in our own homes and workplaces so that we will all have a joyful and fire-free Christmas," he said.

Reyes said the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded 332 fires last year that were caused by electrical short circuits due to substandard gadgets and faulty electrical wiring.

He said care should be taken not only in the use of decorative lights, but also in the use of other electrically operated gadgets and appliances in order to prevent fires.

Reyes ordered the BFP to release safety guidelines to prevent fires during the busy Christmas season.

The bureau said the public should use only electrical decorations approved by the Bureau of Product Standards. They should not overload wall outlets and extension cords because these sockets and plugs could easily heat up and catch fire, the BFP said.

BFP director Chief Superintendent Rogelio Asignado noted that Christmas lights — whether old or new — must be checked for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or cracked wires and loose connections. Damaged Christmas light sets should be discarded and light bulbs securely fastened, he said.

"Only use lights and decors designated for outdoor use, outside your offices and homes. Always unplug Christmas lights before replacing light bulbs or fuses," the BFP also said.

Asignado said electrical lights should not be installed on metallic Christmas trees, and combustible materials such as curtains and carpets should be kept away from electric light sources. All incandescent light sources produce heat, no matter how small they are and may cause fire, he said.

"Do not smoke or place lighted candles near Christmas trees or decorations. An open flame may cause fire. Keep children at a safe distance from Christmas lights and other electrically-decorated decorations," he added.

Asignado also said Christmas lights and other electrical gadgets should be turned off before leaving the house or going to bed.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III advised party organizers and catering services yesterday to be cautious in preparing foods to prevent food poisoning this Yuletide season.

Duque said with the volume of food and drinks that need to be prepared during Christmas parties, there is a higher chance that food may be spoiled before it is served.

"We have to make sure that foods are properly prepared and cooked. It’s Christmas time and, for sure, none of us would want to spend Christmas Day in the hospital," he said in a press briefing.

Duque said food handlers must see to it that they properly wash food before cooking it.

"They should also wash their hands and wear hairnets to prevent their hair from falling. They should also make sure that the utensils they use are clean," he added.

Duque also advised serving only potable water to guests to prevent water-borne diseases like cholera and typhoid fever.

He urged party organizers to choose healthy foods such as vegetables and fruit over meat and other high-cholesterol dishes.

Duque warned that while it may be the holiday season, Filipinos should still observe a healthy diet.

"We should never neglect our health. If you eat too much, your body develops its own defense so you tend to discharge the food that you ate," he said.

Duque described this defense as "osmotic diarrhea," characterized by a non-odorous discharge. This condition, however, could become fatal should massive dehydration set in.

"We should enjoy this Yuletide season, without neglecting our health. Do not overeat and choose the right foods for you," he said. — With Sheila Crisostomo