The headlines in the local press have been inundated with the loss of lives and property as a result fires and accidents. These stories have been heart-rending as families and friends are left in the path of destruction. So far for the year fires have occurred at homes, markets, business places, schools, dormitories.
An analysis of fire causing deaths for this year has shown that about 41 persons have died due infernos of various nature across the country. The deadly traumatic May 22, 2023 where 20 children died at the Mahdia Secondary school dormitory will always be engrossed in the minds Guyanese.
Like in the case of an accident, with fire also the sudden and shocking death of someone close, can never be easy to endure. The ensuing excruciating pain and mental trauma that are inflicted on surviving relatives can be unbearable.
In a fleeting moment, families were plunged into sadness and despair after receiving the dreadful news. That’s the painful result, and often its real and lingering impact may be hidden from the spotlight of the media.
The reality is that people, including those who survive, suffer in unimaginable ways.
Several fires that have occurred were as a result of children being left at home alone and playing with inflammable objects.
A study conducted by the New York City Fire Department found that most children have a natural curiosity about fire. They want to know how fire looks and feels, and what it can do. To address this locally, there is need for early education programme/lessons on the dangers and consequences of fire. Such a campaign should also include how to avoid fire related accidents and how to respond quicky if this should occur. Assuming that playing with flammable items, matches, lighters are a product of natural curiosity of children and lack of understanding then such programmes should be done at various stages of child development. This will lead to a health appreciation for fire safety.
Every year Guyana joins in observing Fire Prevention Week at the beginning of October, this is a good time to have youth and young children countrywide to learning about the importance of fire safety and fire prevention.
Another important safety regulation, is the enforcement of fire codes and the Fire Prevention Act, Chapter 22:02.
Importantly, the Guyana Fire Service on Wednesday, issued safety tips following the increase in house fires.
These are:
1) Don’t leave things cooking on the stovetop unattended, and check regularly on the things cooking in the oven. It only takes a minute for a fire to get out of hand.
2) Equip your homes with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and fire alarms.
3) Keep flammable things like tissues, towels, paper bags, or cereal boxes away from your stove.
4) Don’t try to put out grease or electrical fires with water; this will only make them worse! Adding water to a grease fire can make it spread. Adding water to an electrical fire can cause electrocution.
5) One of the simplest and cheapest extinguishers for grease fires is baking soda. Keep a box next to your stove to throw on stovetop fires.
6) Use your stove only as directed. If you have a gas stove and smell gas, turn off all burners, open windows for better ventilation, and call your gas company.
7) Be careful when lighting the stove; make sure the room is well ventilated; and use long-stemmed matches or lighters.
8) Pay attention when you are cooking. If you must leave the kitchen, turn off all burners. If a pot is on fire, turn off the burner and cover the pot with a lid.
9) Avoid wearing clothes with long, loose-fitting sleeves that may catch fire easily. If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop, and roll!
10) Don’t use your oven as extra storage for flammable things like paper or plastic bags, plastic containers, or dish towels. Even if you don’t turn the oven on, the pilot light could ignite objects inside.
With the use of modernised technology at our disposal, we must utalised this advancement to bring awareness on fire safety. Additionally, we must continue the task of educating through school site visits and community visits. Education and awareness is the first step in turning this deadly trend that has consumed our society around.
