by Edwin Fernandez and Noel Punzalan/PNA
As the country observes Fire Prevention Month, the Aboitiz-owned Cotabato Light and Power Company (Cotabato Light) has issued safety tips for the public to help prevent household fires during the prevailing hot weather.
“These tips are to be observed all year round, not only during this month so we save lives and properties,” said Ben Caro Arkoncel, Cotabato Light vice president and chief operating officer, in a statement Monday.
“Whatever is the cause of a fire, may it be a defective installation of electrical wirings or accidental ignition, what is important is for people to understand and know the different ways to prevent conflagration from happening in residential houses or business establishment buildings,” he added.
Arkoncel said as part of its customer care program, Cotabato Light had prepared some safety tips to prevent fire as well as raise the level of public awareness on how to address the risk of fires.
He said household electrical equipment and appliances, when incorrectly operated and handled, may trigger a fire. To prevent that, 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, advising residents not to “self-repair” domestic electrical connections,” Arkoncel said.
“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.”
Arkoncel also advised consumers 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.
Arkoncel pointed out that electricity is not the only source of fire in homes and establishments, adding that non-electrical items such as candles and gas lamps that many residents still use at home may also cause conflagrations.
“Lighted candles and or gas lamps should be placed far from curtains and highly combustible material,” he said. “Dispose of all highly combustible materials like waste paper and other easily burned items.”
When a fire occurs, the Cotabato Light advised residents to remain calm and do what is necessary to prevent the fire from spreading such as calling the fire stations.
To date, a total of 30 fire incidents have been reported in the Soccsksargen region with an estimated PHP37-million worth of damages to properties.
