A fire safety expert is sounding the alarm, warning that many homes, schools, and businesses are still not ready to handle fire emergencies. This lack of preparation unnecessarily puts people’s lives and property in danger from disasters that could easily be avoided.
Tom Richard Ocen Agwec, who runs JP Fire Prevention Trainers and Consultant, made this urgent appeal after leading a fire safety workshop for students and staff at Aloi Secondary School. His company has already trained over 40 schools in the last two years, teaching students and teachers crucial skills in preventing fires, responding quickly to emergencies, and correctly using fire extinguishers.
Mr. Agwec is encouraged by the positive response from many schools, noting that they are actively buying fire safety equipment and seeking professional training to better prepare for emergencies.
However, he expressed serious concern that some fuel stations and businesses are still operating without even the most basic fire safety measures. This leaves their staff unprepared to deal with a fire outbreak, making small incidents potentially catastrophic. He stressed that even though more organizations are starting to take fire safety seriously, there are still too many businesses operating without the necessary firefighting tools or trained personnel. Being prepared, he warned, is absolutely vital for saving lives.
Mr. Agwec strongly urged schools, public institutions, business owners, transport companies, and families to install fire safety equipment. More importantly, he emphasized the need to ensure that the people responsible for using this equipment are thoroughly trained to do so effectively.
The training sessions, like the one at Aloi Secondary School, combine classroom lessons with hands-on practice. Participants learn how to prevent fires, react calmly during an emergency, and safely operate fire extinguishers. The headteacher of Aloi Secondary School, Dorcus Ejang, agreed that while these practical skills are valuable, preventing fires from starting in the first place remains the most important goal.