Fire prevention month opens today

CEBU, Philippines - An average of 20 fire incidents are reported in Cebu City during the observance of the Fire Prevention Month in the past three consecutive years.

Cebu City fire marshal Chief Inspector Rogelio Bongabong disclosed the information yesterday as the fire department will once again open today the month-long observance of fire prevention.

Bongabong said at least 31 fire incidents happened in Cebu City in March 2012, 17 in 2013 and 27 last year. Bongabong said the BFP observes fire prevention month in March because it usually has the most number of fire incidents.

He noted that since January there were already 55 fire incidents reported in Cebu City as of February 20.

“Init naman pud ning mga panahona gud maong angay pud bantayan. Nau-sab napud nga January daghan napud og sunog kay init kaayo,” he said.

Bongabong said that BFP has no special preparation for fire prevention month, saying that the office has programs, trainings, among others in a year to lessen the fire incidents in the city.

He said that electrical misuse, pilferage of electricity, illegal tapping and congested areas, among others, are mostly the causes of fire. To address this, Bongabong said that there should be constant public awareness, trainings, seminars, and information drive.

He shared fire safety tips like eliminating fire hazards through good housekeeping, disposing waste paper, rubbish, and other flammable materials, keeping matches out of children’s reach, among others.

Bongabong added that there should be a regular check on the electrical installation at home.

“Do not overload electrical circuits by putting additional lights and appliances. Switch off and unplug all electrical applian-ces when not in use,” he said.

In line with the fire prevention month, BFP will have a walk for safe and fire-free nation at 5:30 a.m. today at BFP-7 compound. There will be a mass after the walk.

Bongabong said that there would be a motorcade that will be attended by different fire volunteers in the city.

This year’s theme is dubbed “Kaluwasan sa sunog, tun-an, buhaton ug atong ikinabuhi.”— Jean Marvette A. Demecillo/FPL (FREEMAN)