Clare’s Independent TD Michael Harty fully supports the call for fire safety awareness during December and the Christmas period.
He said the Fire Service is absoluty right to direct our attention to the dangers associated with unprotected candles, Christmas trees falling over, faulty lights and unprotected fires.
“During my years as a GP, I have unfortunately seen the terrible effects of fire on the human body. Few situations are more distressful that the sight of a small child suffering from serious and life threatening burns. The regrettable thing is that many fire related accidents are easily avoidable by taking a little extra care,” he stated.
Dr. Harty warned that in addition to open flames and electrical faults, too much partying can also have disastrous consequences. “We live in the age of the house party, and over indulgence with alcohol or drugs can lead to dangerous behaviour with electricity and unguarded flames. I don’t want to be a spoil sport or in any way dampen people’s enjoyment, but the best Christmas is the one where there are no grieving relatives in the aftermath”.