March is Fire Prevention month in the Philippines. This dates way back to 1966, under then President Marcos’ Proclamation 115-A, which propagates "safety consciousness among our people every day of the year as a positive preventive approach to a problem that can be solved by more caution, vigilance, sobriety, exercise of common sense and respect for the law."
March happens to be one of the hottest months in the Philippines. Temperature and humidity, as PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) confirms, starts to reach high levels during this period. It also has one of the most reported fire incidents based on PSA (Philippine Statistical Authority) and BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) reports. So be particularly careful and practice fire preventive measures, at home, office or anywhere else.
In the event of a fire breakout, here are some quick responses to get out alive:
What to Do in Case of Fire
First, do not panic. Seasoned fire fighters know that panic is the number cause of many casualties in cases of fire.
Next, warn others if you see a fire. As fast as you can, activate the nearest fire alarm and call the fire brigade.
Third, evacuate to the nearest designated evacuation area. Do not go back to retrieve personal belongings.
Fourth, do not use the elevator. Use the stairs instead. Using the elevator can get you trapped and unable to get out.
Fifth, if you are trapped, call for help.
Sixth, go down and crawl if smoke permeates your current location. Remember, not all fire fatalities are due to burns but more of suffocation due to the smoke replacing the oxygen we breathe.
