Emergency services say safe people are best gift

Plea from emergency services to stay safe and healthy this Christmas period

Sharing their holiday message are (from left) Les Ries (SES), Rod Wilson (RFS), Sen-Constable Mark Bradford, Karl Radford (QAS), Daniel Coombes (USC student paramedic), Jessica Neville (QAS), Sen-Sgt Duane Frank, Sen-Constable Dale Kenna and Stewy Dundas (Urban Fire Services). Picture: Ellen Ransley

OUR emergency services never a take a day off but they are asking each of us to help keep their workload to a minimum this holiday season.

Representatives of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, along with Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Police Service are urging people to stay aware of potential risks as they work, travel and relax during the summer months.

To reinforce their message, police have an important message this season: All they want for Christmas is you.

Senior-Sergeant Duane Frank said police around the region would be cracking down on five key areas this summer; monitoring speed, impaired driving, seat belts, fatigue and inattention.

He said they wanted people to drive carefully and minimise distractions, be patient on the roads, and consider the logistics of the trip.

"Allow sufficient time and rest stops or driver changes. We are a big region and there is a tendency for people to try and maximise holidays by covering long distances.”

Snr Sgt Frank said travelling on the roads could be the most dangerous thing you and your loved ones did these holidays.

"Unfortunately, family

and friends are lost every year during what should

be a time of celebration

and togetherness,”

he said.

"Be patient, drive safely, remember your family and loved ones, because they want you home for Christmas.”

Jessica Neville, from QAS, said she wanted people to stay safe on the roads.

"And make sure you hydrate, especially on those hot summer days.”

The SES warned people

to take care of their yards, and make sure they were clear.

Roma SES' Les Ries said it was a good idea for residents to ensure their neighbours were also aware of potential risks.

"Tighten down anything that's loose, everybody needs to be storm aware.

"And if it's flooded, forget it.”

Christmas lights should

be closely monitored, the urban fire service has warned, as things can go from beautiful to damaging quickly.

"Make sure your lights are working and safe, and please, be safe on the roads,” Stewy Dundas, from the QFES, said.

Originally published as Emergency services say safe people are best gift