Keep homes safe from fires, Dabawenyos told

An official from the City Social Welfare and Development Office urged the public to be vigilant and avoid man-made disasters such as fires, especially since the pandemic continues to threaten the safety of the community.

Gina Molon, CSWDO District Head at Poblacion B, urged the people to make sure their homes are safe and do not catch fire. Molon made the call after her area of responsibility experienced two consecutive fire incidents – in Barangay 23-B, and Barangay 31 – just a week apart.

The CSWDO continues to monitor and gives assistance to fire-affected families from Barangay 23-B and Barangay 31 who have yet to return to their homes.

Molon stressed the warning to those who are vulnerable and at high risk of fire incidents.

“Dali lang gyud mulupad ang kalayo labi na kung kung light materials ang balay..kaning sunog dili lang imong balay masunog, mudagan gyud na siya, it will expand magkaroon ta ug massive disaster ( Fire spreads so easily, especially if the houses are made of light materials.. fires also expand rapidly causing massive disaster),” Molon said.

She said Dabawenyos should always be vigilant because “whether we like it or not atong disaster karon gustohon man nato, wala na siya’y ginatakdang panahon. (Whether we like it or not disasters happen unexpectedly),” she added

She also added that prevention is always the best method in avoiding fire incidents as the pandemic is far from over. According to Molon, Disaster Response is really a challenge at the time of the pandemic as it also puts everyone at risk of COVID-19.

“Challenge kaayo sa amoa sa, you are dealing with the pandemic and at the same time dealing with the disaster. Sa pagpila, pag-masterlist, and sa pag validate. You go to the area and the vulnerability of the workers and partners and tao taas gyud siya kaayo (It is really a challenge for us workers when at the same time you are dealing with the pandemic and also with the disaster. In the master listing and validation process, you go to the area and the vulnerability of the workers, partners and the victims becomes really high),” she said.

Molon said that Dabawenyos should be aware of whether they are living in a vulnerable area and that the whole community should be concerned enough to spread information about practices that will prevent fire.

She added that fire, as a man-made disaster, is controllable and preventable in comparison with natural disasters. CIO