Safety first this Christmas

It’s that time of the year when Filipinos observe one of its longest celebrations. It is also that time of year when we need to be reminded to not let our desire to be merry and cheerful take the upper hand to the detriment of prudence, safety and caution.

The government has already started several information campaigns reminding people how accidents and mishaps can be kept at bay while observing and enjoying the season of Christmas as well as New Year. It is never a waste to repeat them.

Lights

The Department of Trade and Industry has issued guidelines on choosing Christmas lights, something that every household in the country – rich or poor – cannot do without during the observance of the holiday season.

Firstly, the DTI reminds all to buy only safe and reliable Christmas lights. These products should bear the imported commodity clearance (ICC) mark sticker that assures of quality and safety, and acts as a deterrent against accidental fire or electrocution.

Further guidelines include checking that the outside diameter size of the Christmas light’s wire should be at least 1.5mm. Furthermore, the package should contain the name and address of the manufacturer / importer / distributor, brand name, rated voltage and wattage of the set, rated voltage and wattage of the lamps, batch/lot number or bar code, standard used (PNS 189:2000), and the country of origin of the package.

The package should also specify whether the lights may be used outdoors, or just indoors (For Indoor Use Only), or both indoors and outdoors. If installing outdoor lights, make sure that extension cords are also for outdoor use.

Check also how many sets of lights may be strung together. As a rule, it is safer to string up to only three sets per outlet if using bulb lights. With the new LED lights, though, more sets can be joined together since they consume less power and are less prone to overheat.

If you plan to light up your whole yard, it is best to get the advice of a qualified electrician who can plan the electrical load of all the lights that will be used, as well as ensure that all materials used are within quality standards.

To try to save on electricity, as well as prolong the life of Christmas lights, the DTI suggests that lights should be turned off at daytime and before sleeping at night.

Meralco has also issued its reminders. To avoid electricity-related fires, households are reminded to avoid overloading their electrical outlets by using “octopus connections.” Try using extension cords that have its own fuse; this way, if there is overloading, the fuse will act as a deterrent.

Meralco also warns households to keep light sources far from curtains or any combustible material, and to refrain from installing Christmas decorations near power lines to avoid freak accidents. Avoid using lights which are damaged or have frayed wires, or have cracks in the insulation or exposed conductors.

Parents are also reminded to keep their children from playing with Christmas lights as this could lead to accidents such as electrocution. Metal foil or other metallic objects should not be used to replace busted lights in a Christmas light set.

When shopping for Christmas trees, it is best to look for those that are fire-retardant, especially since these will be adorned with Christmas lights that can emit some heat.

Fireworks

Even if the New Year is still more than a month away, firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices are already available in the market. This early, children are able to buy watusi (dancing firecracker) and stick sparklers that are inexpensive and sold even in some sari-sari stores.

Because the law still allows manufacturers to produce and sell firecrackers, the best approach would be to discourage people from buying them. However, since many Filipinos believe that it is best to light up firecrackers on New Year’s Eve to ward off evil spirits, then safety reminders should all the more be observed.

Only adults should be allowed to handle firecrackers. And keeping them away from children is a priority. Put away firecrackers in a storage area that is out of reach of children and where it will be safe from accidental lighting.

Firecrackers should only be lit outdoors in a wide area where there are no flammable materials such as paper, old dry wood, leaves or trash. Light fireworks away from vehicles, houses or buildings. Since firecrackers are fire hazards, have a bucket of water, a hose or a fire extinguisher close by.

Light firecrackers one at a time. To avoid injuries, do not hold a firecracker while lighting it. Do not also randomly pick up a firecracker that did not seem to explode. Do not try to relight or recycle old firecrackers, and do not try to light firecrackers inside a container.

If a firecracker-related injury occurs, first aid should be immediately administered. Wash the affected area with cool water. Clean the debris off the injured portion. Avoid ointments or creams as they can hold in heat and worsen the condition. Cover the injured area with a sterile bandage or cloth. Head over to the hospital for proper medical attention.

Let’s heed these reminders and look forward to celebrating this holiday season safely.

National Collegiate Championship update

One of the objectives of Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is to organize and conduct tournaments at various localities to give basketball fans the opportunity to watch live teams from other places particularly Metro Manila.

From Nov. 27 to 30, Ormoc City is the site of the Champions League (PCCL) Regional and Sweet 16 Finals games. This was made possible with the support of local government and sports officials headed by Mayor Eric C. Codilla of Ormoc City, Councilor Ruben R. Capahi, chairman city sports council, and Roger Lagarde, OCSSO (collegiate league of Ormoc) president. “The event will give local fans the rare opportunity to see champion teams from Manila and other provinces compete for pride and glory of their respective schools,” remarked Mayor Codilla.

The teams participating in the four-day basketball festival are: University of Cebu Webmasters (CESAFI champion), Southwestern U Cobras (CESAFI runner-up), San Sebastian-Recoletos Golden Stags, Letran Knights, University of Iloilo Wildcats (Iloilo champion), ACSAT Lightnings (Negros Oriental champion), West Negros University (Negros Occidental champion), and AMA Computer Learning Center Titans (Leyte champion).

The PCCL National Collegiate Championship is supported by SMART, M. V. Pangilinan, Molten Balls, FilOil Flying V, SM Ticketing and Philippine Star.

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Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at [email protected]. For a compilation of previous articles, visit www.BizlinksPhilippines.net.