Taguig City gov't warned against irresponsible use of firecrackers

MANILA, Philippines - The Taguig City government on Tuesday issued its warning against the unsafe use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics during this holiday season.

At the same time, the city’s Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) also launched an information campaign to increase awareness among citizens and the business community on fire safety this Yuletide season, especially on the hazards of substandard Christmas lights and the irresponsible use of firecrackers.

Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano said the local government is in constant coordination with the fire department to ensure that the Christmas season will be safe, secure and fire-free.

The BFP said that aside from March, the month of December is a perennial period for fire safety as it usually registers a high number of fire cases mostly caused by malfunctioning or overheating Christmas lights and firecracker-related incidents.

Mayor Cayetano said the city government is issuing a relentless reminder to all its local residents to observe caution when putting up Christmas lights while celebrating the holidays.

She added that the public should consider safety first when installing Christmas lights and lanterns, and make sure the products they are using passed the safety and quality standards inspection.

“We should be aware of the importance of fire safety as the country celebrates Christmas and New Year because lives, limbs and properties are at stake. It pays to be safe than sorry,” Mayor Cayetano said.

In December 2012, the BFP-National Capital Region recorded 12 fire incidents in just one day. Of the fires reported, seven were related to malfunctioning Christmas decorations.

For its part, the Taguig-BFP said people should take into consideration the “outdoor” and “indoor” usage of Christmas lights as specified in the product information, and that there should be no exposed wirings in the connections when putting it on display.

"Marapat lamang na piliin ang DTI-certified lights at dapat meron itong import commodity clearance o ICC sticker sa wire o package. Kumpleto rin dapat ang pangalan at address ng importer o distributor ng produkto para masiguro ang kalidad ng binibiling Christmas lights," Chief Inspector Juanito Maslang, Taguig fire officer-in-charge, said.

Burnt-out bulbs should also be replaced and when using modern lights, which are equipped with fused plugs and LED bulbs, BFP said to never leave it running when going to bed at night or when leaving the residence.