The National Emergency Management Agency , NEMA, Ekiti Operations Office, has sensitised traders and residents of Ekiti State on fire prevention as dry seasons set in.
The Operation Manager in charge of Ondo and Ekiti-State, Mr Kadiri Olarewaju said the exercise was to create awareness on fire prevention, for people, especially traders, to take precautionary measures in handling inflammable materials.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that he disclosed this during a Road Show on sensitization and awareness Campaign Against Fire Disasters at Fayose market, Oja -Oba and Bisi market, the major markets in Ado-Ekiti.
He explained that fire had claimed several lives and property hence all hands must be on deck to prevent any forms of fire outbreak.
“NEMA, realised that the time is apt to sensitise the public, to ensure that all mitigative measures are put in place to reduce the negative effect of fire disasters.”he said.
Olarewaju appealed to hunters to avoid indiscriminate bush burning during the period of harmattan saying that air aids free flow of fire during this season .
He advised the residents of the state that in instances of fire incident, they should move out and remain outside until the fire service arrive.
Mr Ojo Augustine advised traders to adhere to safety measures by switching off all electrical appliances in their shops before closing and ensure that fire extinguishers is in their shops in case of fire outbreak.
He added that the use of generators , stoves and candles should be avoided in market places.
One of the traders at Bisi market, Mr Taiwo Ige appreciated the NEMA officials for enlightened them on the danger of fire outbreak.