Fire Safety Tips

CEBU, Philippines - Throughout the year, the Bureau of Fire Protection 7’s primary message – first, last and always – is prevention. To help save lives and protect properties, assist BFP through the following simple but very valuable tips:

• Put contact numbers of the fire department near your phone:

Fire Department Hotline 160

Pahina Central Sub-Station 256-0542

Argao367-7680

Mandaue City 344-3364

Minglanilla 273-2830

Naga City 272-6410

Talamban 344-9200

Talisay City 272-8277

Cebu Filipino-Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigade 254-0200

254-0300

Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation161, 233-9300

Accident Control and Emergency Rescue Team420-2868

Reg’l Disaster Coordinating Council 7/Office of Civil Defense 7

416-5025, 253-6162, 253-8730

AFP Central Command-Command Operations Center233-4084

• Eliminate fire hazards through good housekeeping. Dispose of waste paper, rubbish and other flammable materials.

• Keep matches out of children’s reach.

• Oil or gas lamps should be placed away from curtains. Do not put them where the wind, children or pets may topple them. Put out the flame before going to bed.

• Do not keep flammable materials like gasoline, alcohol and paint inside the house.

• Regularly check your electrical installations and have all frayed wirings and electrical fixtures changed or repaired by a licensed electrician.

• Do not overload electrical circuits by putting additional lights and appliances. Switch off and unplug all electrical appliances when not in use.

• Blown fuses should NOT be replaced with coins, wires or metals.

• Never leave a lit cigarette unattended. Before emptying ashtrays, make sure that the cigarette butts have all been put out. Never smoke in bed.

• Put out all candles or gas/oil lamps. Make sure that your electric stove or gas range is switched off.

• Never leave the pan unattended while cooking or frying.

• Never put food in the pan if the oil begins to smoke. Turn off the heat and leave the oil to cool.

• If the pan does catch fire, cover the pan with a damp cloth or towel and leave to cool for at least 30 minutes. Never douse or pour water onto the fire.

• Get a fire extinguisher or install smoke detectors. A fire extinguisher can help put out small flames and give you time to call the fire department.

• Plan your escape route and practice it.

What to do in case a fire starts

• Do not panic. Be calm. If possible, close the door of the room where the fire is and close all doors behind you as you leave. This will help delay the spread of fire and smoke.

• If the smoke is thick, drop to the floor and crawl toward safety. Use wet towel or cloth to cover your nose and mouth.

• Get everyone out as quickly as possible and never go back into the house until a fire officer has told you it is safe to do so. Do not waste precious time in trying to save valuables or possessions. Make your way out as safely as you can.

• Before opening a closed door, use the back of your hand to touch it. Don’t open it if it feels warm. The other side of it could have already caught fire. (FREEMAN)