LIST: How to make your home fire resistant
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 7) - A safe home not only requires a sturdy structure; it is also where fire prevention practices are followed. Here are some tips to make one's home fire resistant.
Check electric wires regularly
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) spokesperson Supt. Annalee Carbajal-Atienza said electrical wirings should be checked every 10 to 15 years to see if they still have appropriate electricity supplying an infrastructure, especially if there were some renovations done.
Atienza told CNN Philippines Newsroom Ngayon that from Jan. 1 to March 7, the main cause of fire has been electrical ignition caused by arcing because of old and chipped wires, followed by electrical ignition caused by loose connection of overused and self-repaired appliances.
"Ganoon din ang paggamit ng extension wires kung saan dinadagdagan pa ng isang pang multiple [extension] hanggang sa dumadami na ang naka konteka sa doon, but ang pinaka-source ng wire ay napakaliit lang," she said.
[Translation: This also includes connecting multiple extension wires with a power source that cannot support the needed electricity.]
The third main cause of fire was caused by neglected cigarettes, Atienza added.
According to BFP records, other main causes include open fire, unattended cooking and lit candles.
Homes must also comply with the Fire Code to ensure houses and other structures are equipped with proper fire-preventive measures, Atienza said.
Practice good housekeeping, strengthen awareness
People at home should set an alarm when their phones are plugged in to avoid overnight charging that may cause fire, Atienza said.
"Ugaliin natin mag set ng alarm to make sure once it is fully charged, mabubunot natin agad," she said.
[Translation: We should make it a habit to set an alarm to make sure once our phone is fully charged, we can immediately unplug it.]
Atienza also urged the public to practice fire emergency drills at home to teach household members, especially children, how to prepare and respond to fire-related incidents.
She emphasized that in case of emergency, the public may dial 911.
Engage in fire-prevention activities
The BFP earlier announced that it will conduct nationwide simultaneous fire drills in 81 SM malls nationwide.
Atienza said the bureau will also conduct an open house at fire stations for students and the rest of the community to visit.
According to the Atienza, there are 168 municipalities that only have one fire prevention officer.
She added that these municipalities have yet to establish BFP facilities.
March was declared as Fire Prevention Month under Proclamation No. 115-A in 1966.
March is considered the warmest month in the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA.
