Fire Service Chief Urges Collective Responsibility on Safety, Educates Public on Fire Prevention Measures

The Head of Department, Fire Service, Anambra State, Mr. Chiketa Chukwudi, has emphasized that safety is a collective responsibility that must be taken seriously in homes, workplaces, and business environments.

He made this assertion while addressing staff of the Ministry of Power and Water Resources in Awka, stressing that no individual or organization can function effectively without prioritizing safety measures.

According to Mr. Chukwudi, the first step during a fire incident is to raise an alarm to alert others. This should be followed by the immediate evacuation of everyone from the premises to a designated assembly point, where a headcount should be conducted to ensure no one is left inside the building.

He advised that the fire service should then be contacted promptly.
He urged members of the public to assist by reporting fire outbreaks, even when they are not directly affected, noting that timely intervention can save lives and property.

The fire service chief also encouraged people not to panic in the event of a fire but to take appropriate action after notifying emergency responders.

He explained that abandoning a fire without attempting to control it could allow it to spread rapidly, especially when it comes into contact with flammable materials such as wood.

Mr. Chukwudi further educated the audience on the proper use of fire extinguishers using the PASS technique:

Pull the safety pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side until the fire is extinguished.

He warned that fire can destroy valuable property within minutes and stressed the importance of having fire extinguishers readily available in homes, vehicles, and offices.

He noted that while victims of fire incidents are often confused, quick access to a fire extinguisher can help contain the situation before it escalates.
Providing an emergency contact, he called on the public to reach the fire service via 08069654255 in the event of any fire outbreak.

Mr. Chukwudi also appealed to the Anambra State Government to improve operational efficiency by providing modern firefighting equipment and recruiting more drivers, stating that the agency remains committed to protecting lives and property.

He reaffirmed that the core mission of the fire service is to serve humanity and prevent fire-related disasters.