ISLAND residents are being urged not to overdo Christmas and New Year celebrations to help reduce the number of alcohol-related incidents dealt with by the emergency services.
The festive period is one of the busiest times of year for the police, fire service and emergency services joint control room, which all fall under the umbrella of the Department of Home Affairs.
Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK 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."
The police's neighbourhood patrol plans will focus on issues such as public order, shoplifting and drink-driving during the festive season.
The department said this approach has had a positive impact on the level of anti-social behaviour in previous years - something which Mr Watterson is keen to see 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.
Mr Watterson 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 Isle of Man 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.
Mr Watterson added: "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."
