The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is reminding members of the public who use fireworks to celebrate the holiday season, to do so safely, and has issued a few tips to ensure untoward incidents are few and far between.
“Fireworks and fire lanterns (also known as ‘sky lanterns’) pose significant danger to personal property and electricity infrastructure,” T&TEC says in its advisory on the issue.
“The indiscriminate use of such devices can lead to major electricity outages or fires if they get caught in overhead lines or transformers,” the Commission warned.
“Persons using them are cautioned to be extremely careful as you can put yourself or your community at risk. Set up and use fireworks/ fire lanterns in an open area clear of substations, overhead power lines, transformers, and poles. Always consider that the breeze can blow them in another direction. Also avoid using fireworks in an area where T&TEC’s emergency/ night crews may be present,” the T&TEC release advised.
It also stated that if not handled properly, such items can also cause burns and other physical injuries.
“We encourage persons to consider the elderly and the sick, and other persons who may be sensitive to sudden, loud noises, as well as pets.
T&TEC says if fireworks or fire lanterns must form a part of your celebration, the following guidelines should help to reduce the risk of any incidents or accidents:
● Carefully set up and use fireworks/ lanterns in an open area, clear of substations and overhead power lines/poles. Do not string fireworks on utility poles.
● Point fireworks away from homes/ buildings/ overhead power lines. Keep away from brush, leaves and flammable substances. Watch out for utility lines that they could strike and result in major outages.
● Do not attempt to retrieve fire lanterns if they get caught in T&TEC’s infrastructure. Contact the Commission urgently at 800 TTEC (8832) or 800 BULB (2852).
● Have consideration for others—babies, the sick and elderly are sensitive to loud noises. Limit your use of fireworks.
● Think about pets. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed by loud noises. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they may run loose or get injured.
