ISLAND residents are being encouraged to take a responsible attitude towards the Christmas and New Year celebrations to help reduce the number of alcohol-related incidents dealt with by the emergency services. The festive period represents one of the busiest times of the year for frontline staff at the Isle of Man Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Service, and Emergency Services Joint Control Room. These agencies fall under the umbrella of the Department of Home Affairs, and Minister Juan Watterson MHK is urging people to play their part in ensuring an enjoyable and peaceful end to 2011. He said: ‘My Department has staff working round the clock every day of the year to ensure our local communities are safe places to live. Most of us will be out celebrating this Christmas, but it’s important not to overdo things and end up in trouble as a result.’ During the period, the Constabulary’s neighbourhood patrol plans will focus on issues which can show a seasonal increase if not addressed, such as public disorder, shoplifting and drink-driving. This approach has had a positive impact on the level of anti-social behaviour in previous years – a trend the Minister is keen to continue. He said: ‘Careful assessment of the potential issues, and directing policing effort towards them, has proved effective in terms of maintaining public safety and confidence. Police officers continue to do an excellent job, often in challenging circumstances, and will be working hard over Christmas and New Year to make sure that people can enjoy a safe night out.’ The Department of Home Affairs is again putting its full support behind the anti drink-drive campaign and is advising motorists to pay particular attention to the risk of remaining over the limit the morning after a night out. The Minister said: ‘Our message is clear – there is absolutely no excuse for drinking and driving, so if you are in any doubt about your fitness to drive, do not get behind the wheel. It is well documented that the police and courts adopt a zero-tolerance approach to offences of this nature.’ The party season also brings extra challenges for the IoM Fire and Rescue Service, with kitchen fires accounting for a large percentage of the operational incidents handled by crews at this time of year. Meals left unattended in the oven or grill pan are often the source of house fires, with incidents occurring when people attempt to cook a hot snack after returning home from a night out. As well as being vigilant to the risk of kitchen fires, householders are urged to have smoke alarms fitted in their properties and to test them every week to ensure they are working properly. The Minister said: ‘Alcohol impairs judgment and people have sometimes forgotten about pans left on the stove or have fallen asleep while food burns under the grill. Do not attempt to use the cooker if you have been drinking as the consequences can be devastating. ‘We just want everybody to enjoy themselves and stay safe over the holidays.’ Ends