For Cotabato Light, every day is fire prevention day

COTABATO CITY
– The Cotabato Light and Power Company (Cotabato Light) 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 C. Sanchez of the Cotabato Light AVP and General Manager
said in a statement.

Whatever is
the cause of a fire, may it be defective or outdated installation of electrical
wiring 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, Sanchez said.

As part of its
customer care program, the Cotabato Light and Power Company had prepared some
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, he 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 Cotabato Light
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, will also help reduce electric bills.

Stressing
electricity is not the only source of fire in homes and establishments, Sanchez
said the Cotabato Light also issues 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. Instead, he advised residents,
make sure fire aid materials or kids are available and easily accessible inside
the house or building with fire bureau phone number visible for easy recall in
case of emergency.

When fire
occurs, the Cotabato Light is advising 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.

The Cotabato
Light has 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 the
Cotabato Light, every day is fire prevention day.