Fire - Prevention and Preparedness

Aaron Manalo
Feb 1, 2022
4 min read

Updated: Feb 3, 2022

The month of March is nearly coming and it is considered as our "Fire Prevention Month" as it has the highest cases of fire incidents in the Philippines. In order to prevent the worst things that can happen in our homes and families, we must have the proper knowledge to avoid further disasters and prepare. Here are some safety tips on what you should and should not do to prevent fire-related disasters.

What you should DO

1. Regularly check electrical connections

Faulty electrical wiring or connection is one of the leading causes of house fires. Make sure to look for warning signs such as flickering lights, sparking switches and plugs, and a burning odor when plugging in appliances. When you notice those signs, immediately repair them as soon as possible. Additionally, ensure that all electrical cords or wiring are visible, untangled, and properly placed.

2. Regularly check your LPG

As a general rule, always close your Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) container after use. Furthermore, if it's close, double-check it before going to bed or leaving your house. Leaks can be detected by using this soapy water test. It is also recommended that the hose be replaced every two years, and the regulators are replaced every five years after they were manufactured.

3. Secure lit candles

When using candles, keep them in your line of sight and secure them in a candle holder. Place them in an area where they will not be knocked over by anyone, especially children or pets. Keep them away from flammable materials such as carpets, curtains, and papers. If possible, in the absence of electricity at night, use rechargeable candles, lamps, and flashlights.

4. Store flammable items in a safe location

Any flammable substance (kerosene, paint, thinner, bleach, and alcohol) and object (matches, lighters, and igniters) should be kept out of reach of children. They should also be kept in safe and dry storage like a cabinet or box with a low room temperature to avoid the possibility of a fire.

Additional information:

If possible, install smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers on every floor of your house. Regularly check the detectors' batteries and the expiration of the extinguishers.
Know your building's evacuation plan and emergency exits or make an escape plan or a route.
Remember the hotline of your local fire station.

What you should NOT DO

1. Leaving items plugged in when not in use

Neglected home appliances or devices are a major cause of fires. Even when turned off, appliances such as televisions, electric fans, and computers use electricity. It means that they could still overheat and catch fire. Unplugging them not only reduces your chances of fire accidents but also lowers your electricity bill.

2. Plugging several devices into an extension cord

Excessive use of an extension cord may cause the sockets to overheat, potentially resulting in a fire. At all times, avoid electrical overloading. Air conditioners and refrigerators, for example, should have their own outlets. If you need to rewire your connections to accommodate all of your appliances and other electrical devices, contact a professional electrician.

3. Leaving an open stove unattended

If you're cooking, keep your eye on them at all times. If you need to leave the kitchen, have someone keep an eye on it. Use a timer to remind yourself that you're cooking if you really need to do other things like household chores.

4. Leaving the dried materials

Clearing out dried materials like wood and leaves from your surroundings, including your roof, could save you from a fire incident. Stray ashes or sparks can easily ignite these dried materials. There are also circumstances where the weather, especially summer's intense heat sets fire to withered things.

5. PLAYING WITH ANYTHING THAT CAN CAUSE FIRE

Additional information:

Never leave burning cigarettes unattended on ashtrays. Place them away from flammable materials.
Avoid running electrical cords under rugs, over nails, or in high traffic areas.
Don't staple electrical cords to walls or otherwise pierce the insulation.
Avoid cooking while wearing long sleeves or clothing that can dangle near the fire.
Clean grease or crumbs on your stove and oven after using them.
Don't place flammable materials hanging near your range or stove.

When you are involved in a Fire Incident

1. If the fire is still small, immediately get a fire extinguisher or a thick blanket to put it out. You can also use water if the fire did not start from liquid chemicals.

2. If it is too big to be extinguished. Open the nearest fire alarm or Call 911 or your local emergency hotlines.

Bureau of Fire Protection Direct Landlines: (02) 8426-0246, (02) 8426-0219

3. When you are caught on fire, Always Remember:

STOP, DROP, & ROLL!

STOP immediately.
DROP to the floor or the ground.
ROLL over and over, back and forth until all of the flames are extinguished while covering your face and mouth.

Practice Stop, Drop, and Roll so you don't forget it in an emergency.

4. Treatment for Burns

Cool the burn for at least ten minutes under cool running water.
If it still requires further medical care. Cover the burn loosely with plastic wrap or a clean plastic covering.

Philippine Red Cross Hotline: 143

5. If you are not already on fire and stuck inside a smoke-filled room of a building, try to get out by crawling low under the smoke until you find the emergency exit sign to avoid respiratory failure; the smoke goes in the top of the room so the air across the floor is much easier to breathe in. If possible, you can damp cloth with water to cover your mouth.

5. Firefighters Are Your Friends. Because of the smoke, the house will become pitch black during a fire incident which makes you unable to see very well. It can hinder you from exiting your family's preplanned escape routes. When the firefighter arrives at your residence, he or she will look for you. Firefighters wearing protective gear will appear larger and sound similar to a large breathing machine. Remember no matter how scared you are: Do not hide from a firefighter. Firefighters are there to help you. They will lead you out of the fire to a safe place.