Bridgeport, Conn. (Dec. 17, 2014) – As families across Bridgeport and all of Connecticut
prepare to celebrate the holiday season, Mayor Bill Finch, Police Chief
Joseph Gaudett, and Deputy Fire Chief Robert Petrucelli held a press
conference today on ways to stay safe.
“As a parent, and as mayor of our state’s largest city, I
see the joy that the holiday season brings to kids and families across
our city every single year,” said Mayor Finch. “But I’ve also seen too
many tragic situations occur due to unsafe conditions. That’s why we’re
here today to showcase holiday safety tips that are intended to help
protect kids and families. We’re here covering everything from having a
designated driver to using some common sense tips to help make this
holiday season another one to remember – in a good way.”
For photos, check out Mayor Finch's Facebook page.
Police Chief Joseph J. Gaudett Jr. followed Mayor Finch’s lead and offered the following tips.
- Keeps items out of sight in your vehicle. Last-minute shoppers
and people returning items after the holidays shouldn’t leave gifts or
any items in plain view inside their vehicles. It only takes a few
moments for a thief to break a window and make off with your
possessions.
- However tempting, know the risks associated with warming up your
car on cold days. A warm car is great – unless it isn’t there when you
come outside. The exhaust fumes on a cold day are an open invitation for
thieves, whether outside your house or outside a convenience store.
- It goes without saying, but we want people to ring in the New
Year safely. Have a designated driver and DO NOT ring in the 2014 by
firing your gun into the air. If you do, you could ring in the New Year
in jail.
Fire Chief Brian Rooney offered these additional tips:
- Every year, check all holiday lights for broken insulation or
frayed wires. It is a good idea to replace any lights after five years
regardless of their condition. Electrical lighting is a cause of most
Christmas tree fires.
- Don’t overload electrical outlets and don’t run extension cords under rugs, across doorways or near heaters.
- When using candles, use a tip-proof candle holder and always
blow out candles when you leave the room. Unattended candles are the
leading cause of candle fires.
- Make sure your Christmas tree is fresh and water it every day. If a tree dries out, it is a tremendous fire hazard.
- Fireplaces should always be used with a screen to catch sparks
and embers from coming into the room. Dispose of ashes in a covered
metal container and store it ten feet away from your home. Ashes can
maintain enough heat to ignite combustible items for several days.
- Always check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly
to ensure they are working properly. If you don’t have one, call the
Bridgeport Fire Department at 203-335-8835, and we will install on for
free.