According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), almost 80 percent of fire incidents are caused by electricity.
The month of March signals the beginning of fire prevention awareness where the government is performing activities that inform the public of the imminent dangers from possible fire incidents that increases every summer season. With information dissemination campaigns, public fire drills and talks in schools and other government facilities, raising public awareness on this issue is the best way to keep everyone watchful.
Beginning last year, the BFP started promoting fire safety among students and is now directing house-to-house campaign in barangays to inform members of the community how to use a fire extinguisher and shares other safety tips information.
Fire Prevention Month is a yearly activity observed for over 5 decades now under the Presidential Proclamation 115-A declared by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos.
Here are some helpful tips regarding fire prevention:
- Place the phone numbers of the nearest fire station right beside your telephone.
- Dispose combustible or flammable materials that you don’t need any more like old newspapers, plastic materials, etc.
- Keep matches out of children’s reach.
- Oil lamps, gas lamps, candles and mosquito coils should be placed away from materials that can burn easily like curtains or clothes. Make sure to put the flame out before going to bed or leaving.
- Do not store gasoline, alcohol, paint and other flammable materials inside the house.
- Regularly check all electrical installations and appliances. Frayed electrical fixtures and wiring must be changed or repaired by an electrician.
- Do not overload electrical circuits (octopus connections) by plugging additional lights and electrical appliances to avoid overload.
- Never leave a lit cigarette unattended and make sure it is unlit before disposing.
- A handy first aid kit should always be available.
By: Mr.Alain T. Morales | Instructor I | Microcity Computer College | Balanga City, Bataan
