It’s March, the heat is on, and the “fire-conducive” temperatures of our Philippine summers require the annual reminder called Fire Prevention Month. It is prudent to remember our civic duty to be vigilant and take extra precaution to avert fires in our homes and neighborhoods.

Indeed, careless handling of small items like lighted cigarettes or candles have caused the razing of entire neighborhoods, and brought untold suffering to hundreds of families. Fire Chief Supt. Carlito Romero, whom Interior Secretary Mar Roxas recently named officer-incharge of the Bureau of Fire Protection, said the common causes of household fires are: Lighted cigarettes, candles, gas lamps, and mosquito coils; defective electrical systems and overheated appliances; LPG leaks and unattended cooking; and improper storage of extremely flammable materials.

To reduce the risk of fire arising from such causes, let us always be conscious of these life-saving measures:

1. Keep children and pets away from matches and lighters, and train children to hand these items over whenever they find them.

2. Avoid smoking in bed and indiscriminately throwing away lighted cigarettes.

3. Never leave unattended lighted candles, mosquito coils, gas lamps, cooking equipment, and the like. Ensure that these are far away from flammable materials like curtains and paper.

4. Avoid electrical overloading. Unplug electrical appliances and electronic gadgets after every use, and regularly check electrical installations.

5. Do not use metal objects such as coins or wires to replace blown fuses, or staples and nails to fasten electrical cords. Immediately undertake the proper repairs or replacements when needed.

6. Check cooking stoves, LPG tanks and hoses for leaks. Immediately replace parts when needed, and close the tank valve at night or when not in use.

7. Eliminate fire hazards through good housekeeping: dispose of waste paper, rubbish, and other flammable materials regularly.

8. Do not keep flammable materials like gasoline, alcohol, and thinner inside the house.

9. Enter into your cellphone directory or tape onto your land phone the 117 emergency hotline or number of the nearest fire station.

10. Draw up a specific fire escape plan, and practice it with your family.

If fire breaks out and one gets into the midst of smoke, it is important not to panic so one can focus on the pre-planned escape route. Avoid suffocation or smoke inhalation by placing a wet towel over your head and crawling closest to the ground while escaping. When inside a building, use stairs instead of elevators. When clothes or hair catch fire, stop, drop and roll over the floor or ground to extinguish the flames.

While human nature impels us to try to save what we can of material possessions, it is more important to avoid getting trapped in a fire and to escape alive. One should try to put out a fire only if there is access to fire extinguisher and water. If the fire is uncontrollable, prioritize escaping.

Losing prized possessions in a fire is a terrible tragedy, especially for the poor and for those without insurance. Even where lives are spared, losses still seem insurmountable. Let’s all take extra time this month for a vigilant fire safety check on our homes. It could even be fun for the family. And it could save our lives. Email: finding.lina@yahoo.com