In celebration of Fire Prevention Month, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) conducted a demonstration program in Pasig City to increase its residents' awareness and knowledge in the prevention and response to fire-related incidents.
(Photos from Pasig LGU)
The demonstration was witnessed by officials of the BFP and the Pasig City government led by Mayor Vico Sotto who reminded the public of the three key elements in preventing fire incidents: Prevention, Detection, and Suppression.
Some of the tips given by the BFP include: avoid overloading of extension cords, regular maintenance of electrical systems performed by licensed electricians, disconnecting appliances from the outlets when leaving the house, and replacing defective electrical cords and outlets.
The firefighters also conducted a live demonstration on how to use a fire extinguisher and urged everyone to remember the acronym PASS: Pull the pin; Aim to the base of the fire; Squeeze the lever; and Sweep from side to side.
"Sinundan ito ng demonstration ng tamang pagpatay ng kitchen fire: Presence of mind ang kailangan. Huwag buhusan ng tubig ang sunog dahil lalo itong liliyab, sa halip ay takpan ang niluluto na lumiliyab at patayin ang gasul (This was followed by a live demonstration on putting out kitchen fire where presence of mind is essential. Do not put water on the fire as it will further strengthen the blaze. Instead, put a lid on whatever is on fire and immediately close the LPG tank)," the city government said.
It reminded Pasigueños to contact its emergency hotline 8643-0000 for any emergency.
According to the agency's statistics, fire incidents frequently occur in the months of March and April, and are seen as having a direct correlation of the rising temperatures brought about by the summer season.
“Fires (that are) electrical in origin still remain to be the leading cause of these incidents, averaging at about 40.72 percent of the 16,433 incidents recorded in the previous year 2023. In the sweltering heat of this summer season, forest fires, particularly the ongoing incident at Benguet, have been keeping our firefighters on their toes due to the challenging terrain and difficulties in the transportation of extinguishing capabilities," the BFP said.
It advised the public to ensure the maintenance of electrical connections by licensed professionals once every two years.
It also urged the public to exercise caution in using electricity especially with electric fans, air conditioners, and refrigerators, adding that having a good exit drill in the home and practicing good housekeeping are also recommended to minimize the chances of the occurrence of fire.
The BFP assured that it continuously implements "Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan," its flagship program in fire prevention, with the immersion of firefighters into the communities, reducing fire hazards, doing fire safety education, and pre-fire planning in communities.