MARCH - THE MONTH OF FIRE PREVENTION

March happens to have a high record of fire incidents nationwide, according to data from the National Statistical Coordination Board. Dating back to 1966, then President Ferdinand Marcos signed Proclamation No. 115-A, s. 1966 which states that March is Fire Prevention Month. And by virtue of Proclamation No.360, s. 1989, it is also considered Burn Prevention Month. The objective of fire prevention is to teach people to take precautionary measures to avoid conceivably harmful flames, and be educated on how to survive in case of fire. It is a proactive strategy for lessening crises and the damage brought by the fire hazard. This activity, as indicated by the proclamation, spreads "safety awareness among our people each day of the year as a positive preventive way to deal with an issue that can be explained by being more alert, vigilance, practice of common sense and appreciation for the law." 

The following safety measures against the possible outbreak of fire are recommended by the Department of Interior and Local Government throught the Bureau of Fire Protection:    

HOW TO KEEP A FIRE HAZARD-FREE HOME

• Never leave your cooking unattended. 
• Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.
• Stoves must be oil free; regularly check LPG for breaks with soapy water. 
• Unplug all unused electrical appliances. 
• Avoid outlet-overloading and using worn-out cords.
• Keep combustible fluids and other burnable things far from the stove when cooking. 
• Check and replace smoke alert batteries every six months.
• Do not use extension cords as permanent outlets.
• Ensure that curtains are far from electric fan blades.
• Regularly clean and oil electric fans.  Do not postpone fixing damaged appliances.
• Unplug electric appliances instantly after use. 
• Never smoke in bed. 
• Place candles in holders or a basin partly loaded with water. 
• Put out candles before sleeping.
• Do not store huge amounts of combustible fluids in the house or storage areas, such as: Gas/Kerosene, paints and solvents, engine oils, floor wax/fluid shine, glues (i.e., rugby) and alcohol items
• Oily rags, newspapers, and other rubbish must be arranged in a sheltered waste pack or container.
• Immediately clean up spilled oil and grease from vehicles.
• Plug power tools directly into sockets; use only high-quality extensions.
• Keep your garage well-ventilated to prevent development of exhaust and warmth from apparatuses.

WHAT SHOULD YOU HAVE IN YOUR HOME?

• SMOKE ALARM - When fire hazard are still in a controllable state, this device will alert you. Consider to install smoke alarms in different parts of your house.
• FIRE EXTINGUISHER - There are different kinds of fire extinguisher for every type of flame. Have an ABC- or ABCD-type of fire extinguisher in the kitchen and workshop areas. Ensure that everyone in the household knows how to properly use a fire extinguisher.

  Types of Fire
  A	Light materials	Paper, plastic, wood, leaves
  B	Flammable liquids	Kerosone, paint, solvents, adhesives
  C	Energized electrical equipment	Plugged appliances and tools
  D	Combustible metals	Sodium, Zinc, Potassium
  K	Cooking fuels and oils	Frying oil, LPG

• EMERGENCY EXIT - It is suggested that each household have their own emergency exit. Be sure that every member is knowledgeable and understands the exit route. Execute fire drills with the family if necessary.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE BREAK-OUT

• A well-practiced crisis exit arrange enormously mitigates panic amidst an episode of flame. 
• To delay the spread of flame and smoke,try to close all the doors behind you as you leave, including the door of the burning room. 
• Before opening a door, feel it with the back of your hand to figure out whether the room behind it is on fire.
• Exhaust and hot air settle at the roof; the best air is one to two feet from the floor. Crawl your way out with a wet piece of fabric to cover your mouth. 
• Fire spreads at a quick rate, taking only two minutes for a house to be filled with toxic fumes from a fire. Prioritize to get everybody out before you consider your belongings. 
• Never go back into a burning building until a firefighter proclaims that it is already safe. Even after fire have been put out, there is still the danger of a rooftop breakdown, live wires, and a backdraft*.
  *A backdraft is an explosion that occurs when all of a sudden oxygen meets exceptionally hot temperatures and fuel.

 Source: “Prevent fire through good housekeeping,” by the Bureau of Fire Protection [PDF]