Caution can prevent fires, public reminded
INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos reminded the public to be reminded the public to be careful with old electric appliances and lighted cigarettes.
Abalos made the fire safety reminders during a visit in Brgy. Sta. Ana, Pateros for the government’s KALINISAN program Saturday morning.
Aside from instilling the habit of cleanliness as way of life among Filipinos, the DILG chief also advised people to always practice safety precautions to avoid fire incidents.
“Mataas ang rate ng sunog ngayon as compared to last year dahil sa El Nino. Ang number one cause ng sunog, yung electric fan na pinapabayaan natin dahil mainit,” he stressed.
Every household according to Abalos, must make it a habit to unplug appliances when not in use even as he reminded smokers of their irresponsible habit of disposing used cigarette.
The Pateros event marked the 7th leg of the program in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for cleaner and healthier communities through weekly concerted activities.
Abalos mentioned the danger of improper disposal of plastic wastes which is the clogging of barangay waterways that result in flooding.
“Sa 3 milyong tonelada ng napo-produce nating basura, 2 milyon dito ay plastic at 20 percent nito ay napupunta at bumabara sa mga kanal na nagiging sanhi ng pagbaha,” he explained.
The DILG chief emphasized that the KALINISAN program is not a one-off event but rather a holistic attempt to instill discipline and a cleanliness-first mindset, while also practicing proper disposal waste segregation practices.
After the clean-up program, the DILG chief took the opportunity to discuss more on fire concerns as he told the public that they can always call the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and request for an on-site home electrical inspection to make it sure their electrical wirings are secured.
“Mayroong programa an gating BFP na libre kung gusto ninyong mapatingnan ang inyong mga linya, tutulong po kami dito,” he said.
