BFP to Holy Week travelers: Unplug appliances before leaving home

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) on Tuesday reminded people who will be out for long this Holy Week to unplug their appliances and turn off the main source of power in their houses to prevent fire incidents while they are away.

BFP spokesperson Fire Superintendent Annalee Atienza said that travelers this long weekend could also inform their trusted neighbor so they can keep an eye on their homes. 

“Dahil ngayon ay Oplan Semana Santa, ang ating laging pinapaalala kung tayo’y aalis sa ating mga bahay ay ang i-make sure na naka-switch off ang ating mga main switch ng kuryente. Ganon na rin ang LPGs natin,” she said. 

(Since we’re implementing Oplan Semana Santa, we’re reminding the public to switch off the main source of power, as well as the LPG valves, before they leave their houses.) 

“If there are instances na hindi bubunutin, huhugutin, o i-unplug ang mga appliances o mga gamit like CCTV or mga refrigerator, i-assure lang natin na ito’y hinabilin natin sa ating mga trusted na mga kapitbahay,” she added.

(If there are instances where appliances could not be turned off or unplugged, such as CCTVs and refrigerators, ask your trusted neighbors to look after your homes.)

Atienza also told travelers to list the contact number of the nearest fire station from their homes or directly call 911 in case of emergency. 

A total of 5,174 fire incidents have been recorded so far this year, according to the BFP official. This was 26.9% higher than the 4,077 fire incidents recorded during the same period last year. 

The majority of these occurred in residential areas. The fire incidents were also primarily caused by open flame from rubbish fire to structural fire, followed by smoking or lighted cigarettes, and open flame from cooking. —VAL, GMA Integrated News