Be sensible and enjoy a safe Christmas

THE party season is here and so must be our attentive instinct to the many warnings associated with it.
To spice up decorations and celebrations, we now have Christmas lights and fireworks that are accessible to many.
And there are also warnings about them as they are capable of starting fires.
Christmas lights are now a staple item when it comes to holiday decorations.
Whether hung on the house or wrapped around the tree, these lights bring a warm and cozy feeling into any home.
But do not be fooled by the colourful lights.
You must confirm that the lights you are buying or have purchased are certified by PNG Power.
Two simple checks that can save you trouble are that the insulation must be thick and the plugs are standard.
Anything less than that and the Merry Christmas can turn to a gloomy one.
The message from PNG Power is that Christmas lights with thin insulation and substandard plugs are dangerous and can cause harm or fire.
And you as a customer have the right to ask for a certificate of approval from PNG Power Limited to be sure you are buying Christmas lights that will not burn down your house.
The mounting of outdoor Christmas lights on trees should be checked by a certified electrician before it switched on.
A firecracker is a small explosive device primarily designed to produce a large amount of noise, especially in the form of a loud bang; any visual effect is incidental to this goal. PNG Fire Services have always warned those using crackers to be mindful of their surroundings and ensure that the area has no flammable substances which can catch fire easily.
And we will add the lanterns to the list also.
A sky lantern may land when the flame is still alight, making it a fire hazard
Anyway, firecrackers are deemed to be illegal items in Papua New Guinea and those in possession of them can be charged under the Dangerous Goods Act. While holiday decorating is all about adding fun, sparkle and warmth to a very special season, it’s important to remember that many of our favourite decorations carry the risk of fire or electrical injury if not used carefully.
And as the busy holiday season rolls in, we see champagne uncorked, wine flowing and the beer on ice.
That means some of the top-drinking holidays of the year are celebrated, and to say that some over-indulge is an understatement.
Throughout the holidays, between family gatherings, Christmas parties, office parties and general celebrations, temptation comes in many varieties from mixed drinks, wine and champagne, to drugs being available in some cases.
Soon, you find yourself drinking one, then two, three, and between four and five can find yourself in some trouble.
Drinking alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and spirits is an enjoyable pastime that helps people to relax or unwind.
A drink to relax after a hard day, a glass over dinner and a few on a night out but when it comes to alcohol, how many of us really know how much is too much?
We all know that drunkenness and alcohol abuse are not only a public nuisance but are also the basis for bigger problems in PNG such as violence in families or in the community.
Don’t let a preventable accident take the enjoyment out of your holidays.
It pays to be attentive to warnings.