CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — In observance of Fire Prevention Month this March, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Calapan City has introduced the “BE SAFE” campaign to further educate the public on how to respond during fire incidents.
In an interview, Fire Officer I Prince Lester M. De Guzman of BFP Calapan City said that the BE SAFE campaign is a practical guide that helps people to stay calm and respond appropriately when a fire occurs.
“BE SAFE” stands for Be calm by staying compose and thinking clearly to handle the situation effectively; notify Emergency hotlines by calling 911 or local fire department to report the fire incident; Sharm the alarms by activating fire alarms in your area to alert others and prompt evacuation; Assess the fire by quickly determining the size and spread of the fire to decide whether it can be controlled or if evacuation is necessary; Fight the fire if the fire is small and manageable by using a fire extinguisher and if it is safe to do so; and Evacuate immediately if the fire is uncontrollable by evacuating to a safe area.
He said that the campaign serves as a reminder to act quickly and responsibly in case of fire emergencies.
De Guzman also cited some precautionary measures to help prevent fires from happening especially at home, reminding the public of the common causes of fire incidents.
“Paalala po sa mga gumagamit ng flat screen TVs [televisions], may mga insidente po na kapag ito ay nakasaksak at nagkaroon ng power surge, may tendency po itong uminit o pumutok kapag biglang dumating ang kuryente,” he said, adding that one of the major causes of fires in the city is due to overheated electric fans.
“Also, yung ating mga electric fans, ito po talaga ang major cause ng sunog sa ating lungsod [ng Calapan]. Kapag ang ating electric fans ay laging umiinit o tumigil na sa pag-ikot, mas mainam po na ipa-repair o kaya ay palitan na ito,” De Guzman said.
He also advised the public to avoid leaving electrical appliances plugged, and charging gadgets in overnight or while sleeping.
“Kapag matutulog po tayo, huwag na po tayong magsaksak ng mga gadgets,” he added.
BFP Calapan City encourages residents to stay alert, observe safety guidelines and report any fire hazards in their area to the local authorities. (JRR/PIA MIMAROPA OJT-Oriental Mindoro)
