Public Prompt to Stay Vigilant to Verify Fireplace Incident-Free Christmas

Introduction

As the festive season approaches, the joy of Christmas celebrations is often accompanied by a heightened risk of household fires. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has issued a critical public advisory urging citizens to exercise extreme caution. This article details the recent announcement by the Western Regional Command of the GNFS, emphasizing the importance of fire safety measures to ensure an incident-free holiday. By adopting the advice provided herein, households can significantly mitigate the risks associated with domestic fires during the yuletide.

Key Points

Background

The Christmas season is traditionally a time of increased domestic activity, characterized by heavy cooking, extensive use of electrical appliances for decorations, and the use of open flames for heating or religious observances. Historically, data from fire safety organizations across West Africa indicate a spike in emergency responses during late December and early January.

In Ghana, this trend has been observed consistently, leading to significant property damage and, in unfortunate cases, loss of life. The Western Regional Command of the GNFS has noted a steady increase in family fire incidents specifically tied to the festive period. Recognizing this pattern, the service has moved from a reactive stance to a proactive one, launching a comprehensive public education drive to address the root causes of these emergencies before they occur.

Analysis

The decision by the Ghana National Fire Service to implement a door-to-door sensitization campaign represents a strategic shift in public safety communication. Rather than relying solely on mass media, this grassroots approach allows for direct engagement with community members, addressing specific local hazards.

Understanding the Risks

Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO) I, Linda Afua Pongo, the Deputy Public Relations Officer for the Western Region GNFS, identified the “Big Three” hazards during the festive season:

1. Unsafe Cooking Practices: The high volume of cooking often leads to overcrowded kitchens, unattended stoves, and the use of flammable cooking oils near open flames.
2. Electrical Faults: Overloading sockets with Christmas lights and appliances is a leading cause of electrical fires. Old wiring systems often cannot handle the increased load.
3. Misuse of Fire-Related Items: This includes the improper handling of candles, charcoal burners, and gas cylinders.

By targeting these specific behaviors, the GNFS aims to lower the statistical probability of outbreaks. ADO Pongo noted that while the goal is safety, the service does not naively expect zero incidents; rather, the objective is a “drastic reduction” through education and vigilance.

The Role of Collective Responsibility

Fire safety is not solely the responsibility of the Fire Service; it requires a symbiotic relationship between the authorities and the public. The current campaign emphasizes that “collective responsibility is vital.” This means that every family member must be aware of safety protocols, from checking gas connections to ensuring that electrical decorations are turned off before sleeping. The analysis of previous incidents suggests that most fires are preventable, reinforcing the philosophy that prevention is the most effective way to combat fire incidents.

Practical Advice

To ensure a safe Christmas, residents are encouraged to adopt the following fire safety practices promoted by the GNFS:

Kitchen Safety

Kitchens are the most common site of domestic fires during Christmas.

• Never leave cooking unattended: If you must leave the kitchen, turn off the stove.
• Keep flammables away: Ensure curtains, tea towels, and plastic utensils are kept well away from burners.
• Fire suppression: Keep a lid nearby to smother grease fires (never use water on grease) and ensure a fire extinguisher is accessible.

Electrical Safety

The temptation to decorate extensively can lead to dangerous electrical setups.

• Avoid overloading: Do not plug multiple high-wattage appliances into a single extension board.
• Inspect Cords: Check Christmas lights and extension cords for fraying or damage before use.
• Unplug: Unplug all decorations and appliances when leaving the house or going to bed.

Emergency Preparedness

Preparation is key to minimizing damage and injury.

• Save Emergency Numbers: Program the local fire service number into your phone. In Ghana, the general emergency number is often 112 or 192, but verify the specific regional number for the Western Region.
• Clear Exits: Ensure that exits are not blocked by decorations or furniture.
• Report Early: If you smell gas or see smoke, do not wait. Evacuate immediately and call the fire service from a safe distance.

FAQ

Conclusion

The festive season should be a time of joy, not tragedy. The proactive measures being taken by the Western Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service, specifically the door-to-door sensitization campaigns, highlight the importance of community engagement in safety. By understanding the risks—unsafe cooking, electrical faults, and misuse of fire-related items—and taking practical steps to mitigate them, the public plays the most vital role in ensuring an incident-free Christmas. As ADO I Pongo emphasized, prevention remains the most effective weapon against fire, and with collective responsibility, our communities can remain safe this holiday season.