BY: Kwadwo Ofosu Baffoe | ignewss — Techiman, Ghana
Retired Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) and former Techiman Municipal Fire Commander Thomas Tuffour has advised Ghanaians to take extra precautions with electrical appliances during the rainy season to reduce the risk of fires caused by lightning and power fluctuations.
ACFO Tuffour said thunderstorms and heavy rains often come with electrical surges that can damage appliances and ignite fires in homes and business premises if proper precautions are not taken.
He encouraged households to unplug televisions, refrigerators, computers, mobile phone chargers and other electrical devices whenever it is raining heavily or thunderstorms are approaching.
According to him, many fire outbreaks recorded during the rainy season could be avoided through simple safety measures such as disconnecting electrical appliances from power sources when they are not in use.
The retired fire officer also raised concern over the increasing number of market fires across the country, attributing many of the incidents to illegal electricity connections and substandard electrical installations.
He urged traders and business owners to avoid unauthorised power connections and ensure that all electrical wiring is carried out by certified electricians in accordance with approved safety standards.
“Most market fires can be prevented if people pay attention to the condition of their electrical systems and avoid shortcuts when installing electricity,” he noted.
ACFO Tuffour further appealed to motorists, shop owners and institutions to equip their vehicles and workplaces with functional fire extinguishers.
He explained that a fire extinguisher can make the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster by helping to contain a fire before it spreads.
He stressed that while the Ghana National Fire Service remains committed to responding to emergencies, the public also has a responsibility to take preventive measures that protect lives and property.
The retired fire officer called on Ghanaians to make fire safety a daily habit rather than waiting until disaster strikes, noting that prevention remains the most effective way to reduce fire outbreaks during the rainy season.
SOURCE: www.ignewss.com