Villages told to form ‘watch’ teams for fire safety monitoring

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Board has called on barangays to create a watch team to monitor residents’ compliance with electrical safety standards.

Aside from monitoring, the team will also conduct regular community education on fire prevention and safety.

“They must likewise see to it that constant community education on fire prevention and safety is made,” read the resolution penned by Board Member Glen Anthony Soco.

As for the household members, they are urged to support these initiatives by actively participating in keeping close watch of their neighborhood.

“They (residents) must actively keep an eye on their community for possible fire hazards and unsafe installations and wirings. In the same manner, they must repeatedly call out glaring violations of fire safety hazards within their jurisdictions,” Soco said.

Soco also urged residents to help promote fire safety, especially with the onset of the hot dry season.

“In order to prevent the occurrence of fire, each and everyone is directed to monitor their households electrical connections/wirings; conduct regular check-ups; right away fix electrical problems; inspect the safety and worthiness of their electrical appliances, gadgets, devices, etc.; immediately fix/change or dispose defective ones; and not to leave plugged-in appliances unattended or overused,” he said.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), faulty electrical wiring, unattended open flames and lighted cigarette butts are among the top causes of fire. — KQD (FREEMAN)