Santa Catarina Firefighters Issue Safety Tips for School‑Holiday Home and Road Accidents

The Corpo de Bombeiros Militar de Santa Catarina (CBMSC) warned that the start of the July school recess raises two major safety concerns: children spending more time at home and families taking short trips. For the home environment, the agency highlighted hidden hazards such as unattended irons, unprotected electrical outlets, and medicines stored within easy reach. It advised installing window and balcony guards, keeping cleaning products and sharp objects out of sight, never leaving an iron plugged in near children, supervising baths, and cutting foods that could cause choking.

For travel, CBMSC cautioned that short journeys can lead to complacency. Drivers were urged to inspect tires, brakes and lights before departure, obey speed limits, maintain safe following distances, take a break every three to four hours, use seat belts on every seat, avoid peak traffic times, and never drive after consuming alcohol. In any emergency, callers should dial 193, the fire department’s free, 24‑hour emergency line.