By Ijeoma Agbafo
The Federal Fire Service (FFS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has advised residents to familiarise themselves with emergency exits and regularly practise fire escape plans to improve safety during fire outbreaks.
The advice was given on Wednesday in Abuja by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Barnabas Anyam, during an interview. He stressed the importance of fire safety awareness in homes, schools and workplaces, urging both public and private organisations to ensure that occupants understand emergency evacuation procedures.
According to Anyam, school authorities should ensure that students and teachers are familiar with at least two emergency exits, corridors and evacuation routes within their premises. He also recommended that schools regularly review and display escape maps, train students on evacuation procedures and conduct drills that direct pupils to designated muster points for accountability and safety during emergencies.
The fire service spokesperson further advised operators of public buildings to maintain functional and well lit exit passages through routine testing of emergency lighting systems. He warned against the use of elevators and escalators during fire incidents and encouraged families to identify multiple escape routes within their homes, designate outdoor meeting points and regularly practise evacuation plans.
He also recommended that all public and private buildings be equipped with fire extinguishers, fire alarms and water hydrants to enhance emergency response capabilities.
