BFP urges public to observe fire safety tips for Holiday season

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar, Dec. 21 (PNA) – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in the city is stepping up its campaign against fire incidents in line with the Christmas season.

Fire officer Gladys Ann Lanuza said the initiative is in compliance with a memorandum for the “Iwas Paputok, Iwas Sunog sa Pasko at Bagong Taon” campaign issued by the BFP regional office.

The activity started on Dec. 15, 2015 until Jan. 1, 2016 wherein fire trucks will be roaming around the city with public address informing city residents safety tips for the holidays such as looking for the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) in buying Christmas lights, which is a proof that an item complies with safety standards.

“We should always consider the safety of individuals most especially our loved ones,” Lanuza said.

She added that their office will also distribute flyers containing fire safety information and emergency hotline numbers.

As stated in its flyers, the BFP has advised the public to observe the following fire safety tips:

Never burn wrapping paper, boxes or other trash in the fireplace;

Keep matches and lighters away from reach of children;

Unplug electrical appliances when not in use

Check holiday lights and replace cracked or broken bulbs, frayed wires and check loose plugs

Don’t use lights that are not safe and in case of fire and other emergencies, call the hotline 376.

The BFP in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) will inspect all firecrackers stores and will conduct safety training in handling firecrackers for vendors.

“Firecracker vendors need to undergo training on precautionary measure in case of an emergency, they also have to ask permit to sell firecrackers from the BFP.” Lanuza said.

Meanwhile, the city council is yet to issue an ordinance designating a specific area for selling of firecrackers. (PNA)
FFC/BNB/SQM/Jennifer S. Allegado/egr

Leyte town to have fire station, truck

SAN MIGUEL, Leyte, Dec. 10 (PNA) -- This town will finally have its own fire station and fire truck next year, the local government unit here reported.

The town is one of the 56 municipalities in Eastern Visayas without fire station, but they have firemen, according to Mayor Cheeryl Enrica Esperas.

However, this problem will soon be answered when the on-going construction of a two-storey fire station will be completed next year.

“This is the very first time that we will have our own fire station. I am very happy to have been the sitting mayor and the one who made follow-up on this project,” Esperas said.

During emergencies, the town has to ask assistance from firemen assigned in nearby towns of Alangalang and Barugo, which are more than 15 kilometers away.

“This is very important for us and we are thankful that this was fast tracked by those who helped us in the rehabilitation phase after super typhoon Yolanda,” the mayor added.

She added that local government leaders should be persistent in asking national government agencies to fund their needed project since local resources are not sufficient to address immediate needs.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection, the national government has to spend PHP2.5 million to establish fire station and PHP4 million to acquire a fire truck. At least 14 firemen are needed to man a fire station 24 hours. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/RTA/EGR