News

Safety and Security this Christmas

With Christmas fast approaching, it is important to think of the safety measures we need to take in order to keep our homes safe and secure – allowing us to make the most of Christmas 2020.

Here, we share with you advice from An Garda Siochana and the Fire Service which will help to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable Christmas

Home Security

  • Turn on lights, use timer switches, sensor lights even when not home.
  • Use your house alarm if you have one.
  • Store keys in a secure location; away from windows and letterboxes not easily visible.
  • Record details of valuables (serial numbers on bikes etc) and take pictures of each.
  • Do not keep large amounts of cash at home.
  • Do not advertise that you’re away for the holidays (social media etc) or have a visible build up of post.
  • Do not leave doors/windows open for Christmas decorations/lights.
  • Safely store away ladders, tools, anything that could assist a break in.
  • Use quality locks on garden sheds and side doors, chain valuable property such as bikes and tools. Consider marking these valuable items.
  • Don’t leave a key outside - even if you think you have a good hiding spot for it.

For more helpful tips see: https://www.garda.ie/ en/crime-prevention/-lock-up-light-up- campaign/

Fire Prevention

  • Do not overload your plug sockets.
  • Don’t plug an extension lead into another extension lead.
  • Don’t leave lamps and electrical appliances plugged in overnight. If a light is necessary to aid the prevention of falls, use a low-power nightlight.
  • If you have a chimney, be sure to have it cleaned annually.
  • Ensure you have had your boiler serviced.
  • If using candles, make sure they t securely into candleholders and keep them well away from anything flammable and at least 4 inches away from other candles. Never leave the house or go to bed with candles lighting.
  • Where possible, use LED Christmas lights rather than traditional lights for decoration around your home.
  • If the wires on the lights are frayed, worn or damaged, discontinue use.
  • Never leave your Christmas tree lights plugged in overnight or when you are leaving the house.
  • If you have a real Christmas tree, keep it in a pot of water to avoid it drying out and becoming highly flammable.
  • If you use an electric blanket, switch it off before you go to bed. Never leave it on overnight. If the wires seem worn or damaged you should replace the product.

For more safety tips please visit https://www. dublincity.ie/residential/dublin- re-brigade/ re-prevention-and-community- re-safety/ re-safety-home/ re-safety-tips-christmas- time

Top