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[av_heading heading=’BFP-Iloilo City warns public on ‘substandard’ Christmas lights ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY: ROEYNA MAY FAMISARAN
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ILOILO City – Ilonggos have started installing Christmas lights to welcome the holiday season. But the Bureau of Fire Protection in the city is continually reminding the public not to buy substandard Christmas lights as it can cause fire.
In an in interview with Panay News, City Fire Marshall Jerry Candido said the public should only buy Christmas lights or any lighting decors that have passed the Philippine National Standard.
Candido said that before purchasing, consumers should look for two marks on Christmas lights – import commodity clearance mark and Philippine standard mark.
“These marks are very important. If the Christmas lights do not have these marks, it means that the products have not passed the standards,” Candido noted.
Candido furthermore said the public should follow these proper measures in the installation of Christmas lights and lighting decors:
*The decors should be attached or installed in non-combustible materials.
*It should not be used for 24 hours.
*It should be installed by a competent electrician to avoid overloading and short circuit.
*It should be installed in an independent circuit breaker.
“The public should follow these measures to avoid fire … You can’t attach the Christmas lighting decors to walls that are made of wood. You should also unplug the Christmas lights when you go to sleep or when you’re not around,” Candido said.
Likewise, the Department of Trade and Industry in Region 6 is continually monitoring stores that sell Christmas lights to ensure that they comply with the standards.
As of November this year, no fire incidents caused by Christmas lighting decors have been reported. But the BFP expects the public to remain vigilant when it comes to purchasing lighting decors./PN
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