BFP-7 event kicks off Fire Prevention Month

• Source: https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/bottom-article-list/2019/03/02/1897998/bfp-7-event-kicks-fire-prevention-month
• Saturday, March 2, 2019

By Via Moira Beatrice A. Zamora (USC Intern BRP, The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines — The Bureau of Fire Protection-7 welcomed the month of March, Fire Prevention Month, with a kickoff xx event held in SM Seaside City Cebu.

The theme of this year's activity was "Ligtas na Pilipinas Ating Kamtin, Bawat Pamilya ay Sanayin, Kaalaman sa Sunog ay Palawakin."

The activity started with a unity walk at 5:30 a.m. from the BFP regional compound to SM Seaside, followed by a Mass and the opening ceremony. This was followed by a demonstration of firefighting capabilities, and a motorcade.

Senior Superintendent Gilbert Dolot, BFP-7 director, said that this year's activities will focus on raising awareness about fire prevention, alongside “Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan” wherein they will conduct trainings to educate and prepare communities to be disaster resilient.

He said that cases of fire are on the rise, making them alarmed, which is why they have the need to engage the communities. Dolot also urged barangay officials and local government units to consider the option of providing communities with firefighting equipment.

Based on their records, worn-out and loose electrical connection, electrical short circuit, unattended cooking, lighted candles are the most common causes of fire in most non-fire safety conscious communities.

Dolot said they will also have simultaneous drills before the end of March all throughout the region, as well as an open house for children to be educated on the importance and purpose of firefighters.