BFP checks hotels, motels for Valentine's celebration

CEBU, Philippines - This may not have anything to do with those figuratively playing with fire, but the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has stepped up its inspections of establishments that are expected to be where many people would go this Valentine’s Day.

Cebu City Fire Marshall Esmael Codilla said that they have started going around hotels and motels in the city to do inspection since January 16.

According to Codilla, “this is an occasion wherein people gather in places like hotels, restaurants and bars to celebrate so we are making sure that these places are safe.”

As of this writing, they have already inspected at least 70 hotels, motels and restaurants.

Codilla said that these regular inspections are part of the requirements for establishments to get their business permit.

Establishments shall be required to install fire alarms, fire hoses and extinguishers and sprinklers for high rise buildings. But the most important are the fire exits, which according to Codilla is a reason to close an establishment if ever they do not have such.

The establishments should also follow proper dimensions when it comes to the hallways and stairways, including proper working doors for the fire exits.

Establishments though would be given 24 hours to correct the violations.

Codilla said that no establishment would be excused during the inspections, “not even big and world renowned hotels and restaurants.”

 However, Codilla said that not only owners of these hotels should take precautionary measure, but also those who would be going out of their houses to celebrate.

“If they are going out, always make sure that pull put the plugs or any electric ignitions that may cause fire,” he said. — AJ de la Torre/NLQ   (THE FREEMAN)