ACTIVITIES FOR FIRE PREVENTION MONTH START

Olongapo firefighters and emergency response teams joined the Bureau of Fire Protection in its nationwide unity walk that ushered in the celebration of Fire Prevention Month.

Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A mandates the celebration of Fire Prevention Month every year, aimed at raising the level of public awareness on ways to prevent fires and save lives and properties.

With the theme “ Sunog at Sakuna ay Paghandaan, Kalikasan ay Pangalagaan nang Matamasa ang Pag-unland ng Bayan,” this year’s celebration focuses on  the conduct of an intensive information campaign on how to prevent and fight fires.

Aside from the fire safety reminders that will be aired daily from March 1 to 31 at local radio stations, the BFP has also lined up the following activities:

MAR 04    BERONG BUMBERO SA PAARALAN (FIRE SAFETY AWARENESS  CAMPAIGN ON ELEM/PRE-SCHOOLERS)

MAR 08-SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES IN THE FIRE PREVENTION MONTH PHOTO CONTEST

MAR 11 – 15 FIRE DRILL AND LECTURES IN HIGH SCHOOLS AND OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS

MAR 12 – 14  3-DAY FIRE STATION OPEN HOUSE

MAR 18 - 22 UGNAYAN SA BARANGAY WITH HOUSE TO HOUSE  FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION FOR SINGLE AND TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS

APR  01                  CULMINATING ACTIVITY/ MASS/  AWARDING OF PRIZES

Meanwhile, here are a few useful tips to prevent fire:

1.   Matches/flammable liquids/lighters/other combustible materials should be properly stored, kept away from children and pets, or disposed of completely;

2.  Candles or lighted mosquito coils should never be left unattended, and should be placed away from curtains, paper, and other materials that easily catch fire;

3.  Cigarette butts should be properly put out before disposing of them in trash bins;

4.  Electrical wiring should be regularly checked by a licensed electrician;

5.  Unplug appliances not in use;

6.   Fire extinguishers should be placed in easily accessible places and everyone at home or in the office should know how to use them;

7.   Fire drills, which include escape routes and mitigation measures, should be held regularly.

8.   In the event of fire, one should know what immediate steps to take to keep it from spreading. Small fires may be extinguished by smothering the flame to keep it from spreading.  Small fires may be extinguished by smothering the flame with a non-flammable item like a pot cover or a dampened towel or blanket.

9.   Water should be used only for non-electrical fires and fires not caused by gasoline and similar combustible fluids. In the face of apparent danger, one should quickly run to a safe place and allow trained fire fighters to handle the situation.