March is Fire Prevention Month

By Christian Aguilar

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March is being observed as Fire Prevention Month here in the Philippines--a perfect time to
discuss and raise awareness about the causes, hazards, and dangers of fire.

BFP photo

By virtue of Proclamation No. 115-A, signed by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, and
Proclamation No. 360 in 1986, the month of March was declared as “Fire Prevention Month” or
“Burn Prevention Month.”

The fire prevention month campaign, according to the measure, promotes “safety consciousness
among our people every day of the year as a positive preventive approach to a problem that can
be solved by more caution, vigilance, sobriety, exercise of common sense and respect for the
law."

State weather bureau PAGASA said the temperature and humidity in March start to reach higher
levels, with the hot, dry weather causing a rise in reported fire cases around the country.

March is one of the hottest months of the year and it marks the beginning of summer season in
the Philippines. It is also the month that has one of the most alarming fire incidents in the
country, based on data by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Due to high sensible temperature, every area across the country is fire-prone, especially the
clustered communities in both rural and urban areas.
In 2018, the BFP has recorded a total of 14, 316 fire incidents from January 1 to December 27.
Fires are destructive and it can break out anytime and anywhere. It can result to devastating
situations such as death and it can burn down entire properties within minutes.

As we observe this advocacy campaign, we should exercise vigilance and be more aware and
knowledgeable about fire prevention to keep ourselves and our family safe.

To make sure that your family and house are safe, the BFP recommends these tips to avoid the
occurrence of fire:

1.) Unplug all electrical equipment when not in use and regularly check electrical equipment to
avoid overloading of electrical circuits.

2.) When using cooking gas, check for gas leaks and always ensure that the LPG tank is stored
in a well-ventilated area to avoid the accumulation of gas vapors.

3.) Enforce “No Smoking” policy inside or outside the house and dispose of cigarette butts
properly.

4.) Practice proper housekeeping and keep flammable materials out of reach of children.
Flammable materials include candles, lighters, and matches, which should be kept properly and
securely.

5.) Plan ahead--establish an emergency and evacuation plan at home and familiarize with escape
routes. And most importantly, keep flammables away from your children

6.) In case of fire, close the door of the burning area to stop the spread of fire. As smoke rises
up, breathe slowly, and get a piece of wet cloth to cover the nose and mouth to avoid suffocation.

7.) When trapped in a fire hit area, it is highly recommended to go to a room with windows
leading outdoors.

8.) If clothes catch fire, do not run or panic, do the: “Stop, Drop, and Roll. “In this life-
threatening situation, shout for help or wave a cloth outside the window to alert the people
around you and keep in mind to remain calm.

9.) The most important thing to do is to call 911, the nationwide emergency hotline number, and
tell the emergency operator of your location right away.

Fire incidents are potentially deadly and very dangerous, but by following these safety
precautions from authorities, we can prevent untoward incidents from happening. Just remember
that having the presence of mind in any situation can also spell the difference between being a
victim and being a fire survivor.

In line with educating the public on fire prevention, the BFP also encourages everyone to get
involved and actively participate in fire drills conducted by barangays, schools, place of
employment, and local government units. Fire drills are essential and allows everyone the chance
to rehearse proper evacuation procedures. These also train participants to behave rationally
amidst the crisis. Keep safe. (CA/PIA-Infocomm)

BFP-Bicol launches activities for Fire

Prevention Month
By Connie Calipay March 2, 2020, 6:33 pm

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FIRE PREVENTION MONTH. The Bureau of Fire Protection in Bicol holds on Monday
(March 2, 2020) its first ever media forum at a mall in Legazpi City as part of its activities for
the observance of Fire Prevention Month. The forum was participated in by the local media in
Albay and members of the government communicators network in Bicol. (Photo by Connie
Calipay)

LEGAZPI CITY – The Bureau of Fire (BFP) in Bicol urged the public to be more aware of the
causes of fire incidents and to observe all safety measures, especially during the summer months
as it launched on Monday its activities for the observance of Fire Prevention Month.

The BFP called for intensified public awareness and involvement by conducting its first-ever
media forum at a mall here participated in by the local media in Albay and members of the
government communicators network for Bicol.
In his message, BFP-Bicol chief, Supt. Alberto de Baguio, said: "Fire is merciless, it takes away
everything standing on its way, including people's lives. This is why we have to be extremely
careful with everything associated with fire. Our agency firmly emphasizes the importance of
fire safety with this year's observance which has the theme, 'Matuto Ka, Sunog Iwasan Na'," de
Baguio said.

He said their lined-up activities aim to intensify the fire safety awareness campaign in the region.

"For the whole duration of Fire Prevention Month, the fire safety awareness campaign will be
continuous. Leaflets, posters and other information materials will be distributed in different
areas. We also prepared lectures on fire prevention, inspection of establishments, testing of fire
hydrants, fire disaster emergency evacuation planning, fire drills, monitoring of all hazard
operations, identification of fire-prone areas and conduct of pre-planning to areas identified, and
Oplan Ligtas Paalala will be intensified," de Baguio added.

The BFP also provided tips to the public to prevent fire incidents.

"Be A-L-E-R-T. Always remember to have fire escape plan. If fire occurs in your home, get out,
stay out and call for help and never go back inside for anything or anyone; Learn to apply safety
precautions inside your houses; Educate yourself and your family regarding the different fire
hazards and fire safety practices; Readiness to all fire and other catastrophic incidents is a must,
personal safety is very important; and finally, Think and Act fast," de Baguio said. (PNA)