No one is safe and exempted from the ravages of a destructive fire.

            There is an old adage saying that the way to be safe is never to be secure... As Harold W. Dodds, 15th President of Princeton University, puts it, “each of us requires the spur of insecurity to force us to do our best”. Fire, like a thief, does not spare anyone just because of the color of his/her skin, the size of his/her house, or his/her financial status in life. Everyone is a likely target.

            For this reason, the Bureau of Fire Protection, in its observance of the Fire Prevention Month this March, focuses its attention on the importance of fire safety and its impact on our individual lives. With the theme “Fire Safety: A Challenge, Concern, and Priority for Everyone”, this year’s observance enjoins everyone in a nationwide effort to curb the occurrence of fires by a larger margin. Involving everybody strengthens the Bureau’s capability to reduce the statistics one fire incident at a time. The BFP is now vigorously campaigning for fire safety in every household and occupancy.

            The observance of Fire Prevention Month started in 1967 with the issuance of Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A on November 17, 1966, providing (then Fire Service under PC/INP) with an opportunity to inculcate and cultivate the culture of fire prevention to the consciousness of the community. Forty-three years later, the zeal and enthusiasm of the BFP to spread the advocacy of fire safety remains alive and burning. In line with the Fire Prevention Month, here are some very useful fire safety tips:

Do not smoke in bed (especially after drinking).
Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
Keep fire extinguisher or a bucket of water handy at home.
Do not leave the cooking stove unattended while frying.
Do not connect too many electrical appliances to one outlet.
Do not use a broken plug or pull a plug out of an outlet by the cord as this may cause overheating and possibly, even a fire.

            Do not build a bonfire on a windy day. (When you do build a bonfire, keep a bucket of water or a fire-extinguishing device nearby.)

            Fit the gas hose onto the gas pipe up to the red mark and fix it with a gas hose stopper. Replace old, cracked gas hoses with new ones as soon as possible.

            It is vital that a fire be discovered and extinguished as quickly as possible. If the flames have not reached the ceiling, they may be extinguished with a household fire extinguished or a bucket of water. When using a fire extinguisher, take care not to hold it too close to the flames. Point the fire extinguisher from the windward side of the flames and aim it at the core of the flames. It is advisable that you familiarize yourself with the fire extinguisher’s operation.

            In case of fire, the smoke is usually more dangerous than the flames. If you think you will not be able to extinguish the flames, do not panic and evacuate the premises calmly.
Notify your family and neighbors of the fire, raising your voice.
Do not worry about your appearance or your personal possessions or valuables. Evacuate quickly, and do not attempt to return.