The Fire Prevention and Community Relations Unit of the Barbados Fire Service has embarked on a new initiative called Operation Escape Bridgetown.
Today at the launch of the Guidelines To Fire And Emergency Procedures manual, Chief Fire Officer Wilfred Marshall explained that the new programme, scheduled to get under way shortly, aimed to sensitize Barbadians on the threats in the City area and give advice on how to take proactive steps to mitigate those threats.
Marshall stated that the layout of businesses, especially stores, with items located “all over the place”, leaving no space for quick movement, was one of the key areas that would be addressed, along with issues related to the prevention of electrical fires.
Following meetings with business owners to expose them to the programme, the Fire Service will formally move into individual business places to present hour-long lectures and demonstrations and assess the workplace design to ensure there are proper exits. Businesses will also be briefed on better layout.
The Fire Prevention Unit has also partnered with business entities to assist the most at risk groups through the Urban Community Risk Reduction Programme and the Fighting Fire With Fire Protection (FFF) Programme. Last year between October and December 32 households in the densely populated New Orleans community on the outskirts of The City benefited from the FFF when they were outfitted with smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, garden hoses and first aid kits for the purpose of reducing their risk and improving their fire safety and protection knowledge.
Marshall said the Fire Service would be back in the area next week to distribute fire safety equipment. He also disclosed that plans were afoot to expand the programme to other critical areas.
Marshall also called for a change in behaviour and attitudes toward fire prevention and safety.
