CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Fire Protection in Talisay City has warned that failure to comply with certain requirements under Republic Act 9514 or the Fire Code of the Philippines is punishable by law.
This as City Fire Marshall Senior Inspector Randy Mendaros has noticed several deficiencies in some boarding and lodging houses which are not complying with the fire safety code during their recent inspection.
They have intensified the inspection now because the opening of classes is fast approaching and students, especially those from the provinces, are expected to flock to the city where they stay in boarding houses while they study here.
The establishments reportedly lacked unserviceable emergency alarm systems, fire extinguishers and obstructed fire exits.
In their peace and order council meeting, Mendaros said the BFP has been conducting routine inspections of boarding houses, including some public and private schools, in preparation for the opening of classes in June.
The council meeting yesterday was presided by City Councilor Danilo Caballero.
Caballero, who is the council chairman of the committee on peace and order, said he is aware that there are illegal operations of boarding houses in the city whose owners tend to skirt around the law and not acquire a business permit from City Hall.
Owners of the establishments found violating the building code will be given warning and will be allowed to correct their deficiencies.
Those who will fail to fix the deficiencies will be issued closure order.
Mendaros, however, said the minor deficiencies are not really alarming because they could easily be corrected.
Earlier, fire inspectors were ordered to strictly implement the provisions of the Fire Code especially in their follow-up inspection of dormitories and boarding houses nationwide even as he warned them that they face administrative charges if found to be accepting favors or bribes in exchange for laxity in the implementation of the law and other fire safety regulations.
The students or boarders are also advised to turn off appliances before leaving their rooms or never leave mobile phones overcharged, which often trigger fire.
All boarding houses should have a fire escape plan. An escape plan is a step by step written instruction detailing necessary actions for evacuation in case of a fire emergency. The plan should have the following: evacuation routes detailing paths of travel and the locations of the building's exits, assembly point details (where occupants should gather), a detailed plan of action to be taken after activation of a fire alarm.
The escape plan should be posted in obvious locations in common areas and behind each bedroom door. (FREEMAN)