The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a warning to the public regarding bush burning during the harmattan season to prevent property damage and loss of life.
Ojuedene Kenoma, the Head of Operations at NEMA’s Edo Office, issued this alert during a training session for local government officials and volunteers in Edo State focused on disaster preparedness, response, and control measures.
Kenoma emphasized that this training is designed to enhance disaster readiness, response, and recovery efforts at the community level.
He pointed out that emergencies like tanker accidents, fire outbreaks, or other crises do not wait for the right time.
“It is crucial for us to cultivate a culture of readiness, awareness, and responsiveness throughout every segment of society, particularly at the community level.”
“This workshop represents a vital move toward equipping our communities with the knowledge and tools necessary for responding effectively to disasters.”
By training and mobilizing volunteers from within these communities, our Director-General Zubaida Umar is establishing a network of emergency responders who can act quickly and efficiently in the face of emergencies.”
“The goal of the workshop is to elevate public awareness, especially concerning the significant risks linked with tanker accidents and fire outbreaks, both of which pose major challenges in Edo State,” he explained.
He further detailed that NEMA is implementing disaster management initiatives at the grassroots level by educating local government officials and volunteers.
He noted that the agency anticipates that participants will relay the training information down to the grassroots to inform the local populace on how to prevent and react to fire incidents.
One of the trainers, Superintendent Asimu Sumaila, during his session emphasized that safety is everyone’s duty and that the level of fire knowledge one possesses greatly influences survival in such situations.
Sumaila pointed out that 80 percent of fire incidents stem from carelessness and negligence on the part of individuals.
He stated that when confronting fire disasters, one must know the appropriate solution to apply, as choosing incorrectly can lead to greater issues.
He clarified that the method to extinguish a regular fire differs from a petrol (PMS) fire.
Many individuals leave their homes without unplugging appliances or turning them off. Moreover, when burning refuse, people often do so without supervision. The ashes from that fire can spread and ignite other fires elsewhere,” he cautioned.
He urged individuals to refrain from leaving their appliances powered on when leaving home and to avoid bush burning, particularly near residential areas, as it may lead to property destruction and loss of life.