By: Samuel Godspower
To curb fire outbreaks in Rivers State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) hosted a sensitization program at the Main Hall, Rivers State Secretariat, Ministry of Justice, on December 13, 2024. The event aimed to educate stakeholders and the public on effective fire safety and prevention measures.
During the sensitization program themed “Stop Fire Outbreaks! Protect Your Home, Your Life, Your Future”, NEMA stressed the importance of individual and collective efforts in preventing fire-related incidents.
Key stakeholders present included the DG NEMA, Dr Zubaida Umar, who was ably represented by the South-South Zonal Coordinator Adebiyi Babatunde Razaq, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), members of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Red Cross Society, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and Emergency Management Vanguard (EMV) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Also present was the Rivers State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Sam Anya, who delivered the opening address.
“If you are in your house and you don’t have a fire extinguisher, you have to get one. Most of the fires caused in Rivers State are caused by not having fire extinguishers. If you are not aware of how to prevent fire, you will panic when there is fire,” Honourable Dr. Anya stated.
“Our state government is trying to make sure that we have agreed [on a] fire situation in Rivers State by providing fire trucks, providing personnel, and training these personnel. I want to say thank you to NEMA; it is a good one,” Dr. Anya disclosed.
One of the program’s highlights was a fire safety and prevention demonstration led by the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Rivers State Chapter. Attendees were educated on the major classes of fires and their common causes, which include human errors, carelessness, and deliberate arson.
The FFS emphasized precautions such as keeping gas cylinders outside kitchens, unplugging electrical appliances after use, and ensuring regular equipment checks. Speaking during a practical demonstration, the Fire Service explained:
“In cases where a fire blanket is unavailable, victims can use wet towels, duvets, or blankets to put off fires. If there is a burning building, they can close doors and windows to cut off the oxygen supply, thereby reducing the intensity of the fire. If trapped in a building, try crawling low to the ground so that you can breathe, then you can call for help.”
Mr. Uzoma of the Nigerian Red Cross provided first aid training for fire casualties, covering essential procedures such as cooling burns, assessing responsiveness, and administering CPR. He demonstrated proper techniques for lifting unconscious persons and emphasized the importance of handling victims with care to prevent further injuries.
“It is important to lift an unconscious person with care in order to prevent further damages and to ensure that the victim is safe after treatment,” Mr Uzoma advised.
Speaking with correspondence, Dr Sam Anya noted the importance of equipping homes with fire extinguishers, highlighting that water may not be effective for certain fires, such as electrical ones. He assured residents of the state government’s commitment to fire safety through the provision of fire trucks, personnel training, and collaboration with organizations.
“We are actively providing fire trucks and training personnel to prevent and manage fire outbreaks in Rivers State” Dr Anya added.
NEMA showcased search and rescue equipment, including cordon tapes, life vests, body bags, crash helmets, metal cutters, spine bars, and search panels. A NEMA representative highlighted that many injuries result from improper extraction during accidents and demonstrated safe extraction techniques to NYSC EMV members and other stakeholders.
In a post-event interview, NEMA South-South Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Babatunde Adebiyi Razaq, representing the Director General of NEMA Dr Zubaida Umar, explained the agency’s efforts to sensitize market traders and tanker drivers.
“Especially those that are used to the fire issues—the tanker fires, accidents that we normally experience in the state, and then the market fires…we have our messages printed out in several different languages so it’s out there for people to know about,” he said.
Addressing the festive period and safety precautions, Mr Razaq cautioned residents: “The harmattan is here, and the atmosphere is charged with oxygen, so be cautious of what you do to stay safe.”
Through this sensitization program, NEMA reinforced its commitment to promoting fire safety awareness and preparedness across Rivers State.
