The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has warned the public to be vigilant against negligence and unsafe practices that could lead to fire outbreaks as the country approaches the Christmas festivities and the harmattan season. Assistant Divisional Officer One (ADO I), Joshua Kugblenu, stated that carelessness, ignorance, and accidents are major causes of fire outbreaks. He urged households and businesses to adopt preventive measures to protect lives and property.
According to Mr. Kugblenu, fire requires three essential elements: fuel, oxygen, and heat. When these elements combine, they can quickly result in devastating incidents. He advised the public to switch off electrical appliances before leaving their homes and avoid charging mobile phones overnight. Additionally, households should monitor their devices while charging and disconnect them once fully charged.
Mr. Kugblenu stressed the importance of engaging certified electricians to undertake electrical installations, cautioning against hiring unqualified technicians due to their comparatively lower charges. He also advised households to ensure that refrigerators are properly positioned to allow adequate ventilation and prevent overheating.
The GNFS officer also cautioned the public against leaving food preparation unattended, particularly where children are involved. Vehicle owners were urged to undertake regular maintenance checks to identify faults that could trigger fires. Furthermore, households and businesses were encouraged to acquire appropriate fire extinguishers, consulting fire officers to assess their premises and recommend suitable types of extinguishers.
Mr. Kugblenu emphasized the need for personal safety during fire outbreaks, prioritizing it over recording videos for social media. He advised people to contact the Fire Service promptly and provide accurate directions to enable emergency responders to reach affected locations without delay.
The GNFS officer reminded the public that the Ghana National Fire Service can be contacted on 192 or 112 during emergencies. He encouraged households and businesses to take proactive measures to prevent fire outbreaks and ensure their safety during the Christmas and harmattan season.
By following these precautions, the public can minimize the risk of fire outbreaks and ensure a safe and enjoyable Christmas and harmattan season. The GNFS will continue to work to prevent and respond to fire emergencies, and the public is urged to cooperate with them to achieve this goal.
Key points
- The Ghana National Fire Service has cautioned the public against negligence and unsafe practices that could trigger fire outbreaks during the Christmas and harmattan season.
- The public is advised to engage certified electricians for electrical installations and take precautions to prevent overheating.
- Households and businesses are encouraged to acquire suitable fire extinguishers and prioritize personal safety during fire outbreaks.
