To prevent fire breakouts, the Rivers Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has advised against keeping petroleum products in residences.
In a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, DSC Olufemi Ayodele, in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the Commandant, Michael Ogar, issued the warning.
Ogar made the comment while the command and Federal Fire Service were signing a partnership agreement for the training of NSCDC soldiers in fire fighting.
“There is a need for members of the public to rise up and take responsibility for their actions, especially during the Yuletide and harmattan season.
“People must understand that prevention is better than cure, and so must stop storing fuel in their houses and vehicles to avert fire outbreaks,” he said.
The commandant also warned that the corps would come down heavily on those diverting the product to create artificial scarcity.
On the training, Ogar said it was to enable personnel acquire basic skills required to effectively respond to fire incidents.
“The command in its readiness to forestall incidents of fire disasters has procured about 25 fire extinguishers and 15 fire protectors in the event of possible outbreaks
“Some of the fire extinguishers have been positioned at our Iriebe and Ogbogoro Exhibit Yards while others would be stationed at the command’s headquarters for emergency response.
“People must apply caution considering that lives and properties worth millions have been lost to fire disasters as a result of carelessness and negligence,” he added.
The NSCDC commandant called on owners of schools, shopping malls and residential apartments among others to install fire fighting equipment for quick response in the event of fire emergencies.
According to him, the command will clampdown filling stations selling petroleum products above approved pump price and those hoarding the product.
In his speech, the Commander, Federal Fire Service (FFS) in Rivers, Abdullahi Alfa, said the partnership would be mutually beneficial to both security agencies.
Alfa, represented by Ihia Juliet, said that the NSCDC would provide security for firefighters during emergencies.
“Fire prevention is much better than fire fighting,” he said, and advised Nigerians to embrace the culture of installing fire fighting equipment.
“It is a punishable offence for drivers to travel without fire extinguishers installed in their vehicles,” he added.