We’re only on the third month of February but we could already feel the summer heat. This is unlike the previous report of PAGASA that the country will experience the cold season until the end of February. Anyway, the weather is always unpredictable. Yet, it is really the time that the government allocate budget for the modernization of our weather bureau branch.

Luckily the modernization of our Bureau of Fire and Protection is about to take place after President Gloria Arroyo signed into law the Republic Act No. 9514 or the “Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008.” It is already long overdue. Imagine, not all municipalities in the country have fire engine trucks. They even lack fire prevention gear.

You could see that even the fire and rescue men in the US suffered from 911 Twin Tower aftermath like Mesothelioma and other forms of cancer. But even they are equipped with prevention and safety gear, so what will happen to our local firemen who don’t even have fire suit, helmets and safety shoes? Hopefully this fire code will uplift the standard of our Bureau of Fire and Protection Department.

We are approaching the fire month so as early as this time, we must prepare not just only our Bureau of Fire but we ourselves must be able to know fire prevention tips. Even though I do lecture about emergency response and prevention during my year in our local government Health Office I myself used to be a victim of fire. Our house were one of the hundreds of houses that burned in 1995. So I could really feel what it was to be a fire victim.

Fire Prevention Tips:

1. Regular inspection of all electrical installation at home and avoid electrical overloading.
2. Unplug all appliances after every use especially if leaving the house

3. Regular Check up of gas stoves and LPG tanks for leaks.
4. Educate children and keep them away from flammable liquids, lighters and matches.
5. Avoid smoking at home especially in bed and when about to sleep. Do not throw lighted cigar or cigarette butts on dried leaves and garbage.
6. Formulate a fire plan at your house and community.

7. Do not leave lighted mosquito coils, candle among other and ensure the location of it.
9. Perform extra precautions while cooking.
10. Maintain proper housekeeping; identify and eliminate fire hazards.
11. Be fire-safety conscious. Always be ready and prepared.

12. Know your Bureau of Fire Hotlines make a big and noticeable sign near the telephone.

Every barangay conducts fire safety and readiness seminars. Make yourself available so that you will able to know all the things to consider during this event. It is really hard to be a fire victim so try your best to prevent it.