Fire Dept strengthens capacities of various sectors on disaster preparedness

By Marlon A. Loterte

SORSOGON CITY, March 28 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in this city, as part of its observance of the Fire Prevention Month this year, conducted various activities that would strengthen capacities of personnel in the business sector and company as well, specifically in terms of disaster preparedness.

This included the conduct of the Earthquake and Fire Exit Drill at the LCC Department Store in Sorsogon City on March 21. City Fire Marshal Senior Inspector Walter B. Marcial said that the activity aimed at ensuring efficient and safe use of the exit facilities available in case of emergencies and at the same time enhance emergency response capabilities of their employees.

The activity started with an orientation conducted by FO3 Lolito F. Canares to more or less 40 participants followed thereafter by a drill.

“The sounding alarm signified the shaking/earthquake and as a response, participants do the 'Duck, Cover and Hold' activity. An evacuation to the designated safe area of refuge followed right away, observing the proper execution as taught by the BFP personnel during the orientation,” said Marcial.

While in the assembly area, the participants were instructed to make an orderly formation for the headcount. Evaluation and giving of critique ended the activity.

Meanwhile, on March 19 and 20, 2012, personnel of BFP Sorsogon City also conducted a two-day Fire Prevention and Control Seminar and Firefighting Techniques Training to employees of BacMan Geothermal Power Plant Complex (BGPPC).

The activity was in response to the management’s request in their desire to enhance their personnel’s response capability in fire emergencies considering the grave hazard they are exposed into.

The team of instructors on the first day was headed by Sorsogon City Fire Station Chief Operation SFO1 Gene H. Mendoza, while the second day was headed by Provincial Fire Marshal CInsp Achilles M. Santiago.

Other members who joined the team were personnel from the Fire Safety Enforcement Section and Operations Section who respectively discussed and demonstrated fire safety awareness, use and classes of fire extinguishers and topics in fire operation like firefighting apparatus, personal protective equipment, phases of firefighting, safety measures, and techniques in firefighting.

Prior to these activities, BFP Sorsogon City also conducted fire and earthquake drills in schools, fire prevention seminar in some identified barangays, fire safety inspections of different business establishments within the city, open house, and radio hopping.

“We have also conducted tree planting activity as a way of mitigating effects of climate change as well as raising the public’s awareness of protecting water sources,” said Marcial.

Further, Marcial said, other activities they have lined-up this week include inspection and re-painting of fire hydrants, blood letting, and clean-up drive in Brgy. Caricaran, Bacon District. (MAL/BAR/BFP-PIA 5, Sorsogon City)