JFB URGES CAUTION WITH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TO PREVENT HOLIDAY HAZARDS
KINGSTON, December (JIS):
As Jamaicans decorate for the festive Yuletide season, the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is encouraging safe usage of Christmas lights.
“The first thing I want to point out is that lights that are made for the inside are not fit for outside. Make sure when you are purchasing the lights, you purchase [those] that are fit for purpose,” JFB Superintendent, Emeleo Ebanks, said during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ on Tuesday (December 10) at the agency’s head office in Kingston.
He further pointed out that when shopping for lights, persons should check for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification label, which confirms the lights have been tested and rated safe for their intended use.
Mr. Ebanks also noted that Christmas lights are designed with built-in receptacles, allowing users to plug multiple strands into a single outlet. However, excessive connections can overload circuits.
“We’ve gone to places to do inspections, and we’ve seen 10 lights plugged into one. You are overloading your circuits when you do this kind of thing, and overloading of circuits can actually lead to fires,” he said, adding that this is especially so if the house is not wired properly.
Persons are also encouraged to do a thorough check of the lights before putting them up within their homes.
Superintendent Ebanks further urged individuals to ensure that, “when you are going to sleep or if you are leaving the house, plug the lights out; do not leave the lights unattended because [they] generate some heat”.
CONTACT: SHANNA K. SALMON
