JAMAICA Fire Brigade (JFB) is urging caution in the use of candles and generators during the hurricane.

JFB Commissioner Stewart Beckford said the unsafe use of candles increases the risk of fires.

“Persons may be using candles, which we have seen in the past can cause fires. If you are using candles make sure that you put them in a container with water so that when it burns it will extinguish itself,” he advised.

“Keep them away from flammable materials such as curtains and, of course, tablecloths,” the commissioner added.

He was addressing a National Disaster Risk Management Council meeting at the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development in Kingston on Monday.

For people using standby generators, he warned they should not be placed indoors. This is because they emit carbon dioxide, which is an odourless, colourless and toxic gas that can be fatal to an entire family.

“We are asking people: ‘If you have to use standby generators make sure these are 20-25 feet away from your house. Make sure the exhaust pipe is away from windows and doors so that fuel does not come back into the house,’ ” he cautioned.

Commissioner Beckford, however, expressed confidence that Jamaicans can navigate Hurricane Beryl safely.