The Jigawa Command of the Federal Fire Service, has listed some fire safety tips for residents that will curb fire disasters as the harmattan season approaches.
The command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Habibu Jamilu, gave the tips in a statement on Monday, in Dutse.
Jamilu said that the tips were imperative to prevent fire disasters during the dry season in houses, offices, markets and other places of public interest.
“The harmattan is a season which occurs between the end of November and the middle of March every year, it is associated with very high risks of fire outbreaks due to low humidity, dryness and fluctuation in temperatures.
“Therefore there is the need for us to educate Jigawa residents and other Nigerians on the need to be careful while using fire and electricity,” Jamilu said.
He listed the tips as: Not leaving cooking unattended, indiscriminate bush burning, storing inflammable items indoor and keeping gas cylinders indoors.
He added that it was also imperative that children were not allowed to play with fire and switching off all electrical and electronic appliances while leaving homes, offices, market shops and other places.
The PRO listed others to include: Procuring first aid fire fighting equipment at home, office and others, as well as getting fire service emergency phone numbers.
He, however, emphasised that paying attention to food on fire was very key in preventing fire outbreaks, noting that leaving food on fire without close supervision was the number one cause of residential fire.
According to him, indiscriminate bush and open burning of waste can also cause fire outbreaks if care is not taken.
“We have to be very vigilant on how residents and neighbours burn waste,” he said.
Jamilu further warned that any substance that could easily catch fire such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and others should not be stored indoors.
“Especially now that we have shortage of PMS, we should please avoid hoarding it completely
“Also, because of the fear of thieves, we are not supposed to be sleeping with time bombs in our rooms or kitchens.
“Our gas cylinders that are more than 5kg, are not supposed to be inside our kitchen or any other place indoor, these are time bombs.
“They should be kept outdoor and in a place that is not in direct contact with sun and under low temperature. You can also put a wet rag on top of your gas cylinder in order to help in cooling the temperature of its surface,” Jamilu advised.
He also warned parents not to allow their children play with fireworks, especially as the Christmas celebration was around the corner.
“It is also important for residents to ensure all that all electrical and electronics appliances are switched off before leaving home and also when not in use.
“It is also good for all to procure first aid fire fighting equipment in the homes like fire extinguishers and fire blankets.
“And after procuring these gadgets, you are supposed to contact professional firefighters so that your family will be trained on how to use them appropriately,” he said.
The PRO further urged residents to ensure that they had the fire service emergency numbers in case of any fire incident.
“Our emergency number is 09060704777, and it is always available with dedicated operational men ready to receive distress calls and act promptly.
“Calling this number immediately will help in minimising the effect of fire outbreak in our homes and other places,” the PRO added.
NAN
