Pro Installer October 2014 - Issue 19 | Page 30

30 OCTOBER 2014 PRO INSTALLER PRO NEWS www.proinstaller.co.uk Don’t Let Christmas Go Up In Smoke The festive season can appear to last forever with homes and businesses filled with all manner of colourful decorations and the favourite Christmas carols playing on a 24-hour loop for the next few months. This is one of my favourite times of the year; however I am more than aware that there could be a number of potential fire dangers lurking amongst all that festive spirit. We are about to be inundated, I’m sure, with the traditional warnings about fire safety in the home during the festive season but what about in offices and other buildings? As an installer visiting premises at this time of year, being able to suggest a few festive fire tips and appropriate products and systems could make a difference and stop a fire occurring in the properties you work with. During this time of year, property managers should be warned that it’s even more vital to carry out some simple checks that can significantly reduce the chance of fire and the dangerous spread of smoke and fire. Here are a few key recommendations: • Check that means of escape routes are clear from obstacles such as Christmas trees. • Ensure that fire doors are not being wedged open to allow a clear path to the Christmas party. • Give decorative lights a visual inspection before plugging them in as the chances are they haven’t been used for 12 months. • Check the maximum amps that can be handled by the fuse in the mains plug and NEVER overload electrical plug sockets. • Turn all decorative lights off. Make sure t