Fire Prevention Month 2014: How do I prevent fire hazards at home?

Manila - March 2014 - By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A, the month of March was declared Fire prevention Month because of the alarming increase in fire incidents nationwide.



The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) initiates massive fire safety awareness during the Observance of Fire Prevention Month 2014. It aims to instill to the citizenry the importance of fire safety and to influence them to get involved since fire prevention is everyone’s concern.

In this year’s theme: “Isulong ang Kaunlaran, Sunog ay Iwasan, Kaalaman at Pag-iingat ang Kailangan”, BFP recommends the following safety measures in ensuring a home free of fire hazards.

Kitchen Area

  • Never leave your cooking unattended.
  • Matches and lighters should be kept out of reach of children.
  • Stoves must be clean and grease-free; check LPG for leaks with soapy water.
  • Do not douse a burning frying pan with water, but instead cover it with a lid or a damp cloth.
  • Unplug all idle electrical appliances.
  • Avoid overloading outlets and using worn-out cords.
  • Do not store items on the stove top.
  • Keep flammable liquids and other combustible items away from the stove when cooking.
  • Replace smoke alarm batteries every six months.

Living room and bedrooms

  • Do not use extension cords as permanent outlets; do not loop them around sharp objects that may cause cords to fray open.
  • Make sure curtains are away from electric fan blades.
  • Do not leave an electric fan switched on when it is no longer rotating; regularly clean and oil household electric fans.
  • Do not delay fixing defective appliances.
  • Unplug rice cookers and clothes irons promptly after use.
  • Never smoke in bed.
  • Place candles in holders or a basin partly filled with water.
  • Put out candles before going to bed.
  • Remove dried leaves, cobwebs, loose paper, and other easy-burning debris from the living area.


Storage and garage areas

  • Keep areas clean and tidy with items properly placed for storage.
  • Do not store large quantities of flammable liquids in the house or basement areas such as:
  • Gas/kerosene
  • Paints and solvents
  • Motor lubricants
  • Floor wax/liquid polishes
  • Adhesives (i.e., rugby)
  • Alcohol products
  • Oily rags, newspapers, and other trash must be disposed in a safe waste bag or container.
  • Clean up spilled oil and grease from vehicles promptly.
  • Plug power tools straight into sockets; if extensions must be used use only heavy-duty extensions.
  • Keep your garage well-ventilated to avoid buildup of fumes and heat from tools.


Emergency exit plan

It is highly recommended that every family have their own emergency exit plan. Be sure that every member of the family knows and understands the exit route and the meeting place outside your house. Have fire drills to get the entire family involved.

{Source}



Previous Post Next Post