Such is the theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Month as set by the Bureau of Fire Protection. This yearly commemoration of the need to be vigilant and protect lives and properties against fire was instituted through Proclamation No. 115-A signed by then President Marcos in 1966.
While the theme calls for learning in order to prevent fires, have we really learned from the experiences of others?
Each passing year, we have seen a considerable number of fire-related incidents that resulted to death, countless injuries, and significant property damages.
Just in the last two weeks, a few days before the start of Fire Prevention Month, three destructive fires occurred inside the subdivision where I reside, rendering affected families homeless.
Time and again, authorities have been unwavering in their efforts to inform Filipino families the value of Fire Safety at home. And the constant stream of reminders cover such basic precautionary measures such as unplugging electrical equipment when not in use, conducting regular checks to avoid electrical circuit overload, not leaving lit candles unattended, etc. all these basic reminders are regularly disseminated in a relentless effort to prevent fires from happening.
But do we actually listen?
It does not appear that we have learned from the misfortune of others. Otherwise, why would we continue to conduct ourselves with such disregard for safety and put our families and our properties at risk?
The fires that gutted the three residences I’ve referenced earlier all involved electrical equipment — an air-conditioning unit, electric fan, and mobile phone charger, all left unattended and without proper maintenance.
How can we as a country achieve true resilience if at the very core, the smallest unit of our society, the FAMILY, does not practice safety at home?
Before we embark on determining systems to address issues of a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world, let us first try to influence the rudimentary behavior of our families so that every individual advocates and practices personal safety at home. It may be difficult to change attitudes and behaviors, and indeed it will take some time, but if we are to build a culture of safety and true resilience, we need to start somewhere. And the home is always the best place to start getting things moving in the right direction.
