By Okey Maduforo Awka
As the harmattan season sets in , the duo of Anambra Police Command and the Fire Service Department have ordered strict compliance to safety measures against outbreak of fire incidents in the area.
Recall that the advent of the harmattan period which is occasioned by the dry seasons had in the immediate past led to several fire incidents leading to the lost of goods and property at the markets and homes to the tune of billions of naira.
In two separate statements issued by the Police Command and the the State Fire Service Department , they advised the public to adhere to safety measures against future occurrences .
According to the Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga, it stated that;
“The Command notes that the dry weather conditions and strong winds associated with the harmattan period significantly increase the risk of fire outbreaks, particularly in markets, shops, warehouses, and residential areas”
“Traders and residents are, therefore, advised to ensure the proper use and handling of electrical appliances, avoid the use of naked flames, and always switch off power sources when not in use. Where possible, fire extinguishers and other basic firefighting equipment should be made readily available”
“The Police Command further urges members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any fire outbreak, emergency, or suspicious activity to the nearest Police Station or through designated emergency channels” it said.
“The Anambra State Police Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property across the State” the statement read.
Also speaking the Anambra Chief Fire Officer , Engr Chiketa Chukwudi advised that the public should try as much as possible to cut down dry bushes within their environment.
“They should be very very careful this harmattan season and first of all clear all the bushes around them” .
“You know that the pushes are now dry and any little mistake spark off fire incidents”
“Again we have cases of illegal electrical connections in our homes and pubic places such as markets and shops and the only safety measure is to engage the professionals to do their jobs and not the use of quacks ”
He warned against the abuse in the use of electrical appliances at homes and pubic places warning that it also leads to fire desserts.
“Then again the use of electrical appliances in our homes by having multiple connections into one socket by putting in iron , radio , television and all that in one place and this can cause fire disaster”
*We have issues of people not switching off their electrical appliances while going out and when there is power surge it can spark off fire and better still disconnect them.before you leave your house or office”
*Also the gas stations should be mindful of the time they discharge fuel or other petroleum products”
“You either do it later in the evening or very early in the morning”
“This is because if you do it in the afternoon when the weather is hot it can spark off fire and you recall what happened at Amawbia in Awka South local government area and this is because the discharge took place in the afternoon” he said.
