Dell

Fire Prevention Month nears: BFP gives life-saving tips

By: Abigail Kwok, InterAksyon.com

February 27, 2012 2:15 PM

 InterAksyon.com

The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines - As the observance of Fire Prevention Month nears on March 1, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reminded the public to remain on alert and take precautions to reduce the risk of fire in their homes or offices.

The first order of the day is a thorough check of all electrical wiring systems, connections, outlets and appliances, officials said, given that electrical short circuits remain the top cause of fire in Metro Manila.

The BFP noted that fire incidents in Metro Manila decreased by 31 percent in 2011 compared to that in 2010. As of March 2011, a total of 381 fire incidents were recorded, destroying property worth P37,624,560. Total fire incidents as of March 2010 stood at 556 with P51,777,900 worth of property destroyed.

Despite the decrease in fires, the BFP said the public should assume a pro-active approach. “Everyday must be Fire Prevention Day,” Chief Superintendent Santiago Laguna, BFP-NCR director, said in a statement.

On March 1, the BFP will kick off Fire Prevention Month with its theme "Makiisa, Makialam, at Makipagtulungan Upang Sunog ay Maiwasan."

The BFP- NCR will hold a motorcade around Metro Manila and distribute leaflets to remind the public about fire safety and prevention. Fire prevention activities have also been lined up during the month. Among the activities are an information and dissemination campaign in different schools and villages; the Barangay Fire Olympics and BFP-NCR Fire Olympics.

The BFP- NCR is reminding the public to help the fire prevention campaign by following these simple precautions to cut the risk of fire:

- Matches, flammable liquids, lighters, and other combustibles must be properly stored or disposed of, as these materials can ignite fire, especially when there is the presence of heat, fuel, and oxygen around; unplug...