Red Cross chief to public: Beware of hazards this Fire Prevention Month

In line with Fire Prevention Month, Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon reminded the public to be more careful and eliminate fire hazards, especially this March, the start of summer, when the biggest number of fires are recorded.

Senior Supt. Wilberto Kwan Tiu, National Capital Region (NCR) director of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), said the number of fires in Metro Manila increased from 4,374 in 2015 to 5,121 in 2016, which resulted in P607 million and P601 million in damage, respectively.

Quezon City ranks first as the city with the highest number of fires in Metro Manila with 1,023, followed by Manila with 470, he added.

From Jan. 1 to Feb. 15 2017, there were already 259 fires reported in the NCR. Most of the fires happened in residential areas and were caused by accidents – mostly electrical in nature or lighted cigarette butts or open flames due to torch and candles and unattended cooking.

Gordon said the Red Cross would remain on alert 24/7 with 18 fire trucks, 12 water tankers, and thousands of trained emergency responders nationwide.

This year’s Fire Prevention Month, themed “Buhay at Ari-arian ay Pahalagahan, Ibayong Pag-iingat sa Sunog ay sa Sariling Pamamahay Simulan,” is a reflection of the BFP’s commitment to raise public awareness about the importance of fire prevention, he added.

Red Cross Secretary General Oscar Palabyab said fires could be prevented but people should also be aware of fire survival tips, especially during the summer.

Here are tips on how to reduce fire according to the Red Cross:

• Make sure every member of the household knows where the fire escape is.
• Agree on a meeting place at a safe distance from the home.
• Teach everyone at home how to use a fire extinguisher.
• If smoke, heat, or flames are blocking your exit route, stay in the room with the door closed.
• Move close to a window and wave something bright (a flashlight, glow stick, or a brightly colored cloth) to signal for help if possible.
• Once you are out, stay out.

Call the fire department immediately in case of fire once you make it to safety.

Since January this year, the Red Cross has assisted in 38 fire incidents in Metro Manila by providing water tankers, rescue trucks, volunteers, food and non-food items, and psychosocial support to displaced families in evacuation centers.

The humanitarian group started working with BFP since 2009 after the Japanese government first donated 12 fire trucks to PRC. /atm