COTABATO CITY – The Cotabato Light and Power Company (Colight) here has issued safety tips to prevent household fire to be observed consistently by the public as the country observes “Fire Prevention Month.”
“These tips are to be observed all year round, not only during this month so we save lives and properties,” Judy Sanchez, Colight assistant vice president and general manager, said on Thursday.
“Whatever is the cause of a fire, may it be defective installation of electrical wirings or accidental ignition, what is important is for people to understand and know the different ways to prevent fire from happening in residential houses or business establishment buildings,” Sanches said.
As part of its customer care program, Colight prepared safety tips to prevent fire as well as raise the level of public awareness on how to address risk of fires.
Household electrical equipment and appliances, when incorrectly operated and handled, may trigger fire.
To prevent that, Sanchez said, homeowners are advised to inspect regularly all electrical installations, ensuring all are unplugged when not in use.
“If the electrical cord is hot, then there must be something wrong, or you notice sparks,” Sanchez said, advising residents not to “self-repair” domestic electrical connections.
“Allow only licensed and competent electricians to repair old and dilapidated electrical wires and cords,” he added.
Overloading electrical circuits may spark and trigger fire so “do not overload electrical circuits by putting up additional lights or equipment,” the Colight official stressed.
Sanchez also advised consumers or homeowners to “always” unplug all electrical appliances when not in use except appliances that require continuous use. Doing this, he said, would also help reduce electric bills.
He stressed that electricity is not the only source of fire in homes and establishments.
Colight also issued some fire prevention tips from non-electrical items like candles and gas lamps that many residents still use at home.
“Lighted candles and or gas lamps should be placed far from curtains,” he said. “Dispose all highly combustible materials like waste paper and other easily burned items.”
Before going to bed, lighted candles or gas lamps must be put off and never allow children to play lighted candles and kerosene lamps, matches or lighters, he advised.
Sanchez also advised residents never to stock highly flammable and combustible materials like gasoline, alcohol or paint inside homes.
When fire occurs, Colight advised residents to remain calm. “Instead of panic, do what is necessary to prevent the fire from spreading such as calling the fire stations, or when situation demands save everything you can,” Sanchez said.
“But first and foremost save lives in the household including yours,” Sanchez said.
Colight has an emergency response team working 24/7 to respond to fire incidents, whether the fire is electrical-related or not. Whenever fire occurs in a particular area the Cotabato Light Emergency personnel cuts power line around the “eye of the fire” to prevent spread of conflagration.
"For Colight, every day is fire prevention day," Sanchez said (PNA)
