Beware of fire and explosion risks during Tet

(Baonghean)-Colonel Le Quoc Bao - Deputy Director of Nghe An Fire Police Department gave an interview to Nghe An Newspaper about fire prevention and fighting during Lunar New Year 2016.

PV:During the Lunar New Year, the potential risk of fire and explosion is very high. Could you tell us where fires and explosions are likely to occur during this time?

Colonel Le Quoc Bao: At this time, many activities to prepare for Tet have been and are taking place. At shopping centers, markets, the number of people and goods increases dramatically... this is one of the types of facilities classified as particularly dangerous for fire and explosion and in fact, there have been many fires causing great damage to property. At factories and production and business establishments, the amount of electricity used to produce goods has also increased significantly. Working overtime, increasing equipment to produce Tet goods while the electrical system remains unchanged can easily lead to overload, short circuit and fire. In addition, the amount of gasoline used during Tet is also very large, the fact that gas stations and families store and transport gasoline during Tet also poses a very high risk of fire and explosion.

Colonel Le Quoc Bao interviewed by Nghe An Newspaper

Vehicles and goods encroaching on the entrance and exit of the market gate will cause difficulties for fire prevention and fighting (photo taken at Hung Dung market - Vinh city)

Not only in production and business activities, but also during Tet, in family life, many people are still subjective in using electricity and mini gas cylinders; especially in places of entertainment, temples, pagodas, historical sites... where there are many people, burning incense, burning votive paper, and using electricity indiscriminately is also very dangerous.

During Tet, the weather is cold but dry, this is also one of the causes of fires and explosions.

PV:So what should we do to prevent fire accidents during Tet, sir?

Colonel Le Quoc Bao:To prevent fire and explosion accidents during Tet, Nghe An Fire Police has advised the Provincial People's Committee to issue Official Dispatch No. 20 on strengthening fire and explosion prevention and control during Tet. The Provincial Fire Police has deployed 5 plans and topics on fire and explosion prevention and control during Tet. In particular, strengthening fire safety inspections for establishments at risk of fire and explosion such as: markets, shopping malls, petrol and oil stores, gas filling stations, power stations, high-rise apartments, crowded places... Regularly propagandize and remind people to be careful in using fire sources, heat sources, electricity consuming equipment, strictly comply with local and unit fire and explosion regulations. During Tet, the Fire Police will maintain 100% of its personnel, be ready to fight 24/24 hours; well organize the 4-on-site fire prevention and control plan to minimize the risk of fire and explosion as well as damage to people and property during Tet.

Fire Prevention Training in Nghi Loc

In addition, fire prevention and fighting also requires the drastic participation of functional agencies and people. Accordingly, individuals and organizations in localities need to strengthen and regularly inspect the compliance with regulations on fire prevention and fighting in agencies, organizations and units. It is necessary to pay attention to the arrangement of goods and materials in warehouses, storage areas in markets, supermarkets and shopping centers. Functional agencies must strengthen the management of high-rise apartment buildings, inspect fire prevention and fighting for entertainment and recreation facilities, crowded places, karaoke businesses, cultural event venues, facilities with billboards using electricity...

For markets and shopping centers, it is necessary to strengthen propaganda on the internal broadcasting system, urge and remind businesses and customers to strictly comply with fire safety regulations, especially at the time of opening and closing the market, and prepare an escape plan for people and property in case of fire.

Units, businesses and people must clearly see that doing a good job of fire prevention and fighting is to protect themselves and voluntarily and strictly implement fire safety regulations and rules, do not smoke and use fire and heat sources indiscriminately; do not encroach on walkways to display goods or expand, obstruct walkways, escape routes and fire truck routes, and equip themselves with initial fire fighting equipment such as portable fire extinguishers, water, blankets... to be ready to fight fires when they occur.

PV:Lunar New Year 2016 is approaching, do you have any message for people about fire prevention and fighting during Tet?

Colonel Le Quoc Bao: The risk of fire and explosion during the Lunar New Year of Binh Than - 2016 is predicted to be very high due to the dry weather and bustling production and business activities to serve the shopping needs of the New Year. Therefore, Nghe An Fire Police calls on all people and businesses to be especially vigilant, especially in markets, large warehouses and in the use of electrical equipment, incense burning, oil lamps, votive paper, cooking...

Burning incense and votive paper during Tet also poses many potential risks of fire and explosion - Illustrative photo

To celebrate Tet happily and safely, agencies, organizations, production and business establishments, and households need to strengthen fire prevention and fighting measures, organize self-inspections of fire prevention and fighting safety at establishments and households; strictly implement fire prevention and fighting safety regulations and conditions. Proactively prepare forces, means, and response plans to handle incidents when they occur.

Be vigilant in detecting risks of accidents and fires to promptly notify agencies, organizations and responsible persons, and take measures to eliminate and prevent accidents and fires during the Lunar New Year 2016. Do not underestimate fire prevention and fighting work because once a fire or explosion occurs, the consequences will be unpredictable.

Duc Chuyen(Perform)