Harmattan: Anambra Fire Service urges residents to be safety conscious

The Anambra Fire Service on Thursday advised residents to be more safety-conscious in order to avert fire disasters during the Harmattan period.

Mr Martin Agbili, Director, State Fire Service, told a correspondent in Awka that fire disasters were common during the Harmattan.

According to him, this is due to the dry weather and it enhanced the spread of fire easily, urging residents to take extra precaution to avoid fire incidents.

“This is the Harmattan period when fire incidents are very common, therefore, residents need to be more safety conscious and avoid anything that could result in fire outbreaks.

“They should clear bushes around their homes and offices and avoid uncontrolled bush burning, because it is particularly dangerous at this period.

“They should also be careful with candles as any accident can have serious consequences and check their fire extinguisher to ensure they are functional.

“Resident should ensure that all electrical faults are fixed and electrical appliances are used carefully to avoid disasters,” he said.

The director also urged residents not to store inflammable such as fuel or diesel inside their homes, except when necessary, to prevent fire disaster.

While reiterating the state government’s determination to secure the lives and property of residents, Agbili urged residents to place gas cylinders outside the kitchen.

According to him, cylinders should not be overloaded or expired in order to avoid explosion or fire incidents.

Agbili, also called for caution among the market men and women.

He advised them that all electrical appliances should be put off at the end of business hours every day.

The director urged parents to educate their children and wards about the basic things on fire outbreaks and the need to always be safety conscious.