Solutions to fire outbreaks

Many reasons have been add used for fire outbreaks in the  country, especially during the harmatan season . One of such is the hording of petrol in homes by Nigerians to beat perceived shortage during this season.

Governments at all levels have warned that petrol and other inflammable materials like gas, wood and alcohol should be put away from homes, offices and shops where they could aid fire outbreak.

The way to prevent these fire outbreaks is for people to be safety-conscious by ensuring that they switch off all electrical appliances and points in their homes before they go out and in their office when they close for the day. They should also ensure they unplug these appliances from the points to avoid surge that lead to fire.

Also, when cooking, don`t leave hand towels, curtains, and other flammable items too close to flames. People are hereby urged to be mindful of bush and solid waste burning during the harmattan period and ensure that fire does not spread to nearby buildings or other property around.

People should also take adequate care while cooking in the kitchen. They should always stay in the kitchen to keep an eye on whatever they are cooking and  not wander off to check phones or any other activity far from their cooking area.

As our environment becomes dusty and hazy with dryness of everything, including trees wooden items, leaves and furniture, dry winds can escalate the fire out of proportion and  consume the homes.

Public enlightenment efforts to educate people on the do`s and don`ts to avoid fire outbreak during harmattan periods must be intensified and must be educated on the dangers of careless handling of highly inflammable materials.

The citizens should also ensure that they have fire extinguishers in their homes to put fire out if they ever have an incident to protect their lives and the lives of those around them.

It is also advisable to keep them in these essential places like the kitchens, near sources of heat, bedrooms, garage and workshops, e.t.c.

Nigerians are also advised to embrace the culture of subscribing to insurance and indemnities that cover their homes and properties.

Favour  Johnson

Ibadan