TAKE A SOLID C.A.R. TO COMBAT DEVASTATING FIRE
CARMEN M. FLORES
A spark neglected makes a mighty fire… season here in the Philippines comes in.
All these and more remind me of what destruction, pain, and loss it may cause. Good enough we have Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A, issued on November 17, 1966, by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) should not be the lone department or group in doing such initiatives to let everyone know that fire is preventable. We must consider that we can do our share specifically if people Care, Aware, and Responsible enough to go out and be one. Here are some tips on how we can reduce risks in our midst.
First, Care… to have it, we need to take into our hearts the mission of every fireman, because this is not only for them but for all of us. Their mission states “they commit to prevent and suppress destructive fires”… Are we going to wait for disaster to happen before we take care or show care/ concern? Or simply we live with an ‘I don’t care’ attitude because we are not directly affected and disturbed about what is happening around us. It involves a listening heart for one to express a genuine care.
Second, Aware… we need to advocate the awareness of fire prevention because, if it happens, you cannot retrieve anymore what has been burned. Our oldies will always tell us their belief that “it’s better to be robbed even 10 times rather than be a victim of fire ones”. This is because a robber can drain only your tangible belongings like money, jewelries and even land title, but fire will deprive you of everything, properties and the worst, is life.
Yes, prevention is the key when it comes to fire safety, but it is wiser and smarter to think that awareness is a wall to trap it all. It simply means that all members of the household know what to do in case of fire emergency. Remember, it pays to be aware of fire survival tips, as in from the very basic details of knowing the emergency exits to making sure that all electrical equipment are regularly checked and maintained by a professional electrician. Being aware must start it by myself. Amidst of the destructive world, we can still feel safe if we start it ourselves.
And lastly, Responsible... every human being is entitled for life. Life that is safe and living in a safely and friendly environment. No person will allow himself to be harmed and put himself in danger. Therefore, there is a need for one to take himself responsible to every move he does. Being responsible takes it all. It will put you in a smooth sailing journey.
Truly that there is a need to create a community not merely observers or audience but responsible regarding fire safety, but there is a must that it should begin in YOU. We need to follow the command, “Learn not to burn”. Fire is good servant but a bad master. Be accountable with all your steps and treat every individuals as part of your big family. Let us be one in building and maintaining a safe Philippines. Get involved and cooperate. Put halt of those malpractices which can endanger our lives and our treasured belongings. Let us keep in mind a few tips in preventing home fires as in having them as part of our daily routines.
Be alert so everything will be safe. Make Care, Awareness, and Responsibility a part of our day to day living. Carelessness is the biggest cause of fire so let us not give it a chance to occupy even a small part of our actions. When fire safety is on, automatically, accidents gone. However, when fire safety goes, surely danger grows.
Better to be safe than sorry! Aim for safety Philippines! We can conquer fire by entertaining CAR… having a solid Care, Aware, and Responsible on fire prevention!
— oOo—
The author is Teacher III at Pulung Santol Elementary School
fire takes no holiday… It knows nothing of mercy… quotes from unknown authors that disturb us especially now that summer