Don’t let your Christmas go up in flames

TIS the season to be jolly, tra-la-la-la-la!
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 accessible to almost anyone, unlike in the past.
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 check to see that the lights you are buying or have bought are certified by PNG Power.
Two simple checks that can save you trouble are that the insulation is thick and the plugs are standard.
Anything less than that and your Merry Christmas can turn your home into a house of horrors.
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 the 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 and certified by a licensed electrician before it is turned on.
PNG Fire Service chief Bill Roo is calling on everyone to celebrate peacefully and be mindful of their surroundings, especially if they choose to celebrate with fireworks and firecrackers.
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.
We support Roo’s call that those using firecrackers must be mindful of the surroundings and ensure that the area has no flammable substances which can catch fire easily.
Firecrackers are deemed to be illegal items in PNG and those in possession can be charged under the Dangerous Goods Act.
Lae is clamping down on the sale and use of illegal firecrackers which are believed to have been smuggled across the border from Indonesia into Vanimo, Wewak and then to other provinces.
Police in and East and West Sepik know that Indonesian-made firecrackers are becoming a hit in the border province of West Sepik.
And that is now a problem in Vanimo and Wewak towns.
The firecrackers range from the size of a cigarette to a short bamboo stick.
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.
Don’t let a preventable accident take the enjoyment out of your holidays.
It pays to heed warnings.