The SCDF will be stepping up inspections and conducting an enforcement blitz at commercial buildings to check on fire safety violations. However, we should also do our part to remain alert during the festive season. Here are some tips provided by the SCDF.

Wrote the SCDF in a statement:

"With the festive season approaching, SCDF would like to remind the public to exercise greater caution to minimise fire hazards and prevent outbreaks of fire.

"As the number of patrons and customers are usually higher during the festive season, we would also like to remind owners and management of public buildings and places of recreation/entertainment including hotels and shopping centres to ensure compliance to all fire safety requirements.

"Escape passageways should be free of obstruction and fire exit doors should be kept accessible for use during emergencies.

"Overcrowding in building premises especially public entertainment outlets such as discotheques and pubs, should be avoided as it would impede the safe evacuation of people from the premises in the event of fire.

"SCDF will be stepping up inspections and conducting an enforcement blitz at commercial buildings to check on fire safety violations.

"SCDF takes a serious view against offenders flouting fire safety requirements.

"Under the Fire Safety Act, violators may be fined up to $10,000 or be sentenced to a jail term not exceeding 6 months, or both.

"Anyone who notices fire hazards may report them to SCDF on 1800-2800000.

"Fire safety is a collective community responsibility and together we can help to reduce fire occurrences in Singapore."

Read the SCDF's fire safety tips on the next page.

GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TIPS DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON

FIRE SAFETY TIPS – HOMES

Cooking
1.Never leave cooking unattended as it can result in fires. Turn off the gas supply and cooking appliances whenever they are not in use.
2.Petrol or kerosene should not be used to start a BBQ fire – they can flare up unexpectedly. Use fire-starters instead.
3.Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of emergencies. Never leave the barbeque unattended.
4.Charcoal should be doused with water when cooking is done. Smouldering charcoal and embers should not be thrown into rubbish chutes/bins which may lead to rubbish fires.

Electrical Appliances
1.Never overload electrical outlets with electrical appliances. Always unplug the appliances when they are not in use.
2.Do not run wires under carpets or mats – run them behind furniture instead. Keep wires away from hot surfaces.
3.Check the condition of wires regularly. Frayed or cracked cords should be replaced or repaired by licensed electricians.

Housekeeping
1.Keep cooking appliances including the stove-top, cooker hoods and ovens clean and free of grease. Never store combustibles near heat sources.
2.After parties or gatherings, check for smouldering cigarette butts around and under the sofa, chair cushions and carpets.
3.Ensure that cigarettes and cigars are fully put out in ashtrays before they are discarded.
4.Ensure that all unwanted furniture and items which are combustible in nature, are discarded properly. Contact your local Town Councils or Management Office if you require assistance in the disposal of unwanted bulky items

Decorations and Lightings
1.Check decorative lighting fixtures before use and regularly afterwards. If there are wear and tear problems, such as blown bulbs and frayed wires, replace them with new ones immediately, using the service of licensed electricians for repairs if necessary.
2.Do not leave decorative lighting fixtures, including the lit Christmas tree, switched-on when leaving home or when going to bed. Indoor lighting fixtures should only be used indoors to avoid electric shocks and short circuits.
3.Use decorative lighting fixtures which carry the SAFETY Mark. Like other electrical appliances and accessories such as fans and adaptors, decorative lighting fixture is also a Controlled Goods under the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Registration Scheme, which is administered by SPRING Singapore.
4.Decorations made of light tissue paper or cardboard burn easily. Do not attach them to lights or other heat source, and always keep them away from candles.
5.Lit candles should be placed in stable holders on heat-resistant surface, so that they will not fall over. Lit candles should also be kept away from Christmas trees, paper or cardboard decorations, foliage, curtains and furnishings. It is also not advisable to leave candles burning in a room unattended.

Preventing Children from Starting Fires
1.Keep matches, lighters and candles out of children’s reach.
2.Educate children on the dangers and hazards of fires.
3.Children playing with sparklers must be supervised by parents/adults.

Handling Sparklers
1.Sparklers should be kept in a closed box and away from flames.
2.When being used, it should be lit at arms length and only one at a time.
3.Lighted sparklers should never be thrown at combustible materials.
4.When a sparkler goes out, do not immediately touch the hot end for it could still burn. Ideally, put the hot end in a bucket of water to fully cool it down before disposing it safely.
5.Follow the safety instructions as stated by the manufacturer.

FIRE SAFETY TIPS – COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
1.Escape passageways should be free of obstruction and fire exit doors should be kept unlocked for use during emergencies.
2.It is also important to observe other fire safety requirements, including the approved occupancy load for premises (to avoid overcrowding), so as to enhance fire safety standards in buildings.
3. If you are in any public premises, ensure that you look out for the nearest exit door or staircase, in the event that you need to evacuate during an emergency.

FIRE SAFETY TIPS - ON-LINE
1. The following websites provide fire safety tips:
a. http://www.nfec.gov.sg
b. http://www.scdf.gov.sg