After a series of fires that have been striking homes and even commercial establishments ever since the year began, Fire Prevention Month is finally upon us.
By virtue of Proclamation 115-A, Fire Prevention Month promotes “safety consciousness among our people every day of the year as a positive preventive approach to a problem that can be solved by more caution, vigilance, sobriety, exercise of common sense and respect for the law.”
The unusually numerous incidents of fires over the past few weeks provide us a grim reminder of its destructive nature. As it has already been made clear how fires can result in the destruction of properties and even loss of life, we need to reprise ourselves of the hazards that we have to be aware of and the precautions we need to take so our homes, businesses or place of employment are not struck by fire.
The Bureau of Fire Prevention that will be taking the lead throughout this month-long celebration will be taking this opportunity to remind us of what we can do to prevent fires. Simple acts such as unplugging electrical equipment that are not in use and not overloading electrical circuits have proven highly effective when it comes to fire prevention. Aside from being checked regularly for leaks, cooking gas tanks have to be stored properly, preferably in well-ventilated areas to prevent the accumulation of dangerous vapors.
Cigarette smokers are advised time and again not to smoke indoors and to dispose of cigarette butts properly.
Home and building owners are recommended to have emergency and evacuation plans, coupled with fire drills, so occupants know what to do in case a fire does break out.
March was chosen as Fire Prevention Month for it is among the hottest and driest months, making it an especially fire prone period. However, the rash of fires we have seen in the past few weeks emphasizes the danger of fires that can strike anytime. Hopefully the added attention of fire prevention will help more homes and businesses to give it more attention, especially as we approach the summer months.*
