The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Manila kicked-off Fire Prevention Month with a motorcade to help raise awareness and fire safety among the public on Friday, March 1.
BFP Manila said that the motorcade started at 6 a.m. on Friday, March 1, from the Manila Fire District (MFD) Office on Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila.
It said that 39 fire trucks from Manila fire volunteers, four from the MFD, one ambulance from the BFP, and three from fire volunteers joined the motorcade.
From the MFD Office, the motorcade passed through Tayuman, going to Lacson Avenue, Mabini Bridge (Nagtahan Bridge), Quirino Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, Padre Burgos Avenue, and Plaza Sta. Cruz, going back to the MFD office.
MFD Marshall Senior Supt. Christine Doctor-Cula encouraged the public to work together as the fire prevention month observation commenced.
The BFP also reminded the public of the following safety tips to avoid fire incidents:
- Siguraduhin na ang mga kandila o sigarilyo ay malayo sa mga flammable na bagay (Keep candles or cigarettes away from flammable objects).
- Regular na suriin ang mga electrical outlets at wiring (Regularly inspect electrical outlets and wiring).
- Siguruhing may tamang fire extinguisher at alamin ang tamang paggamit nito (Make sure to have the right fire extinguisher and know how to use it properly).
- Iwasan ang overloading ng mga electrical outlets at gamitin ng maayos ang mga extension cords (Avoid overloading electrical outlets and use extension cords properly).
- Turuan ang pamilya tungkol sa escape plan pag nagkaroon ng sunog at gawing regular na pagsasanay ito (Teach the family about the escape plan in case of a fire and make it a regular practice).
- Ilagay sa tamang lagayan ang mga posibleng fuel sources, tulad ng gasolina and kerosene (Fuel sources such as gasoline and kerosene must be kept in a secure place).
- Ugaliing bantayan ang niluluto (Never leave your cooking unattended).
- Siguruhing maayos at tama ang pagtatapon ng mga upos ng sigarilyo at mga kandila (Make sure cigarette butts and candles are properly disposed of).
- Alisin ang mga damo at tuyong dahon sa paligid ng bahay na pwedeng pagmulan ng sunog (Remove grass and dry leaves around the house as these can be a source of fire).
- At maging handa sa mga emergency situation, at magkaroon ng emergency kit na may mga basic na kagamitan para sa firefighting at first aid (Be prepared for emergency situations and have an emergency kit with basic equipment for firefighting and first aid).
The BFP added that on March 20 and 21, a Fire Square Road Show will be conducted.
It will also conduct a firefighting Olympics.