March is Fire Prevention Month!
The Department of Education (DepEd) joins the whole nation in strengthening the campaign to prevent fire, especially during this Fire Prevention Month.
With the theme “Sa pag-iwas sa sunog, hindi ka nag-iisa,” or “You are not alone in preventing fire,” DepEd continues to reinforce the implementation of school programs that provide knowledge on how to avoid and what are the causes, hazards, and dangers of fire.
Fire is one of the most destructive forces of nature that can cause loss of lives, properties, and livelihoods. According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), there were 14,316 fire incidents recorded in the country in 2020, resulting in 267 deaths, 764 injuries, and over 3 billion pesos worth of damages1. Most of these fires occurred in residential areas and were caused by faulty electrical wiring, open flames, and unattended cooking.
To prevent such tragedies, DepEd has issued guidelines on strengthening the Fire Safety and Awareness Program (FSAP) in schools through DepEd Order No. 28, s. 2016. The FSAP aims to establish specific roles, responsibilities, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for the fire safety and awareness program of schools, which was launched through DepEd Order Nos. 72, s. 2012 and 13, s. 2013.
The FSAP also seeks to facilitate the Fire Code compliance of schools through a sustainable program and partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the BFP3. The Fire Code of the Philippines, or Republic Act No. 9514, mandates the minimum requirements and standards for fire prevention, protection, and suppression in all buildings, structures, and premises.
Some of the activities and initiatives under the FSAP include the following:
- Conducting fire drills and simulations at least twice a year in all schools;
- Organizing fire brigades and emergency response teams composed of school personnel and students;
- Providing fire safety and awareness seminars and trainings for school personnel and students;
- Installing fire alarms, extinguishers, hoses, sprinklers, and other fire-fighting equipment in strategic locations within the school premises;
- Posting fire exit signs, evacuation maps, emergency numbers, and other fire safety information in visible areas;
- Ensuring that electrical wirings, appliances, and gas tanks are regularly checked and maintained;
- Keeping flammable materials and substances away from sources of heat and ignition;
- Implementing a no-smoking policy within the school premises;
- Coordinating with the local fire station and barangay officials for fire prevention and response support.
Through these measures, DepEd hopes to promote a culture of fire safety and awareness among the school community and the general public. As the theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Month suggests, we are not alone in preventing fire. We all have a role and a responsibility to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our properties from the dangers of fire.
For more information about the Fire Safety and Awareness Program of DepEd, read the DepEd Order No. 28, s. 2016 or visit the official website of DepEd at https://www.deped.gov.ph/.
Stay safe and vigilant, everyone!