The Ministry of Communication and Works is advising residents and visitors to the Virgin Islands to take the extra measures in ensuring their safety and the safety of others during this festival season.

In the area of fire safety, the Ministry is reminding persons to be mindful when starting fires and remember the necessary emergency numbers and procedures. In the event of an emergency, persons can contact 999 or 911 and give the call handler their emergency address, the type of emergency, a brief description of the situation, their names and whether fire, police or ambulance emergency agencies are required.

Persons are reminded to keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of sand nearby to douse a grill, coal pot and/or outdoor fire that get out of control. Residents are to ensure that their homes are secured by turning off or putting out any open flames, turning off appliances, and where necessary, activate safety alarm devices. Booth operators are also urged to read and follow the operating instructions that come with every electrical product, to be used in their booths.

The Ministry has also called on motorists to be vigilant and drive with extreme caution in the areas where festivities are ongoing, including Road Town, East End and Carrot Bay. Motorists are also urged to be mindful of the high influx of pedestrians during the festival season and to find alternative areas for parking and help in minimising traffic in the Road Town area.

Persons are also to avoid using cellphones while driving, use seatbelts, remove keys from the ignition when exiting a vehicle and lock all windows and doors.

The Ministry is asking the public to consider these safety measures and put them into practice.     

The Ministry of Communications and Works wishes the public a safe and enjoyable Emancipation Celebration as we celebrate under the theme “It’s an Emancipation Celebration of Reflection to be Seen; VI Festival 2015.”