Rising cases of fire outbreaks in homes, markets and schools across the Tamale Metropolis have compelled the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to intensify public education on fire prevention.
As part of efforts to curb the situation, NADMO has organised a fire safety and sensitisation campaign targeting residents, market women and households, with a focus on preventing avoidable fires and protecting lives and property.
Speaking during the exercise on February 12, Ex-WSO Ayuba Issaka, Deputy Operations Director of NADMO, said fire outbreaks, alongside storms, remain the two most frequent disasters recorded annually in the metropolis.
“Fire and storms are the two major disasters we record every year, but recently fire outbreaks have become more frequent. That is why fire prevention has become a top priority for us,” he said.
He noted that several recent incidents have occurred in markets, households and even schools, prompting the renewed public education drive.
“We have recorded fires in homes, markets and schools. That is why we are re-emphasising the need for residents to safeguard their kitchens, electrical gadgets and wiring to prevent unnecessary fires,” he added.
The sensitisation campaign focused on practical fire safety measures, including safe electrical wiring, proper use of cooking spaces and correct handling of electrical appliances. Residents were also educated on the use of fire extinguishers, which NADMO described as essential firefighting equipment for households and markets.
“Fire extinguishers are basic safety tools. Every market and household should have one and know how to use it in case of an emergency,” Issaka explained.
NADMO disclosed that it is working closely with key stakeholders and has deployed officers into markets across the metropolis to educate traders on safe wiring practices and the proper use of electrical equipment.
However, the organisation acknowledged challenges in reaching all communities, citing limited logistics and funding.
“Our officers are trained and ready, but logistics remain a major challenge. Transportation and educational materials are needed to help us reach more communities effectively,” he noted.
Despite these challenges, NADMO says it remains committed to a prevention-first approach. The organisation operates through decentralised sub-metros within the Tamale Metropolis and conducts quarterly community sensitisation exercises.
Looking ahead, NADMO announced plans to extend fire safety education to schools, with at least eight schools in the metropolis scheduled to be sensitised beginning this week.
“Children are also vulnerable, so we are taking fire safety education to the schools to help protect both pupils and school property,” Issaka said.
With the dry season gradually giving way to the rainy season which brings its own disaster risks NADMO has urged residents to take fire safety seriously and adopt preventive measures to avoid unnecessary loss of lives and property.
Source:Fiilafmonline/3News
