MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) has cautioned the public anew against the dangers of improper use of Christmas lights and buying new appliances or additional electrical home equipment this coming holiday season.
PNRC said household fires are commonly triggered by the use of “wrong protection” and substandard appliances.
“Fires can even occur in houses equipped with circuit breakers especially if the homeowners do not upgrade their electrical connection,” the Red Cross pointed out.
Red Cross explained that having a circuit breaker makes the household owners feel safe, but there is a need to upgrade their electrical connections once they install additional appliances.
In upgrading the electrical connection, house owners are advised to have their electrical wires checked not just by anyone claiming to be an electrician but by a licensed electrician.
In the event of overloading, electrical wires start to heat up, and an electrical spark occurs when the wires are exposed to fuel and oxygen.
To prevent fire, the Red Cross also reminded the public to avoid electrical overloading and to unplug all electrical appliances after use.
Check electrical installations
It also advised the public to regularly check electrical installations as well as gas stoves and LPG tanks for leaks and to keep children away from flammable liquids, lighters and matches.
The Red Cross also reminded the public against smoking in bed and leaving lighted mosquito coils and candles unattended.
While Christmas lights are nice to look at and better than candles, the Red Cross said these can generate too much heat, thus the need to observe its proper use to avoid risk of fire.
The public was also advised to use only cooler-burning “min” Christmas lights rather than the traditional big Christmas bulbs, and to use lights with a fuse.