All the Days of March, Part 3

A month-long of dealing with public health concerns

March 1 to 31 is Fire Prevention Month by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A. This year’s theme is: “Ligtas Na Pilipinas Ating Kamtin, Bawat pamilya ay Sanayin, Kaalaman sa Sunog ay Palawakin.” The responsible governmental agency for the implementation of national policies related to firefighting and fire prevention under the New Fire Code of the Philippines (R.A.9514) is the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Inquirer.net on April 3, 2019 emphasized that BFP has a tally on record of 2,571 fires nationwide in just the months January and February of this year. In aforesaid months, 66 people were killed and 173 were injured because of fire. Many, if not all, of the casualties were trapped in the fire. The most vulnerable victims, according to BFP are children and elderly. Deaths and injuries from fire are correlated to poor or no urban planning, most especially in informal settler communities. The most common cause of fire in the Philippines is still “faulty electrical wiring.”

Fire Prevention (Source: Fire and Safety Authority, Dublin, Ireland)

1. Get a qualified electrical contractor (or a licensed electrician) to carry out installation and repairs to electrical equipment and fittings.

2. All electrical equipment and installations should be maintained, used, and protected with the first and foremost idea of preventing danger.

3. Check electrical equipment and remove defective equipment.

4. Ensure electrical cords are in good condition.

5. Plug appliances and lights into separate electrical outlets.

6. Avoid using extension cords. If you require the use of extension cords, always have it safe and visible – not under carpets or across walking areas.

7. Use only one device per outlet. Always put off open flames in gas stove and oven when not in use.

8. Do not leave stove on open flame when cooking.

9. Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease build up.

10. Properly dispose off cigarette butts.

11. Identify flammable materials so proper control can be put in place.

12. Replace highly flammable materials with less flammable ones.

13. Provide clearly marked and separate storage areas for flammable materials.

14. Train family members and house helpers in the proper storage, handling, and use of flammable materials.

15. Rags, cloths, and mops that have been used or applied with flammable materials should be properly disposed off in containers with well-fitting lids.

16. Do not store flammable or combustible materials in escape routes and fire exits.

17. Regularly check fire alarm systems.

18. Educate and orient children and family members on fire safety and escape routes, exits, survival, and provisions in case of fire.