November 10, (THEWILL) – As part of efforts to curtail fire outbreaks, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has organised a stimulation drill exercise to respond to any unforeseen incident in Sokoto State.
Speaking during the exercise, NEMA Head of Planning and Research, Abubakar Tukur, said the sensitisation is necessary due to the fast approach of Harmattan season, to create awareness of the readiness of stakeholders to respond to any possible occurrence.
He noted that there are high cases of fire outbreaks during the season, hence the need to involve fire service agencies and Red Cross Nigeria, on how best to respond to fire disasters during rescue operations.
He added that the exercise would make every stakeholder know its role during an emergency.
Tukur, however, advised the public to be careful about how they handle fire and electrical appliances, saying the agencies have provided free emergency lines for the public to communicate with them in the wake of any occurrence.
Also speaking, Abubakar Aliyu, an Assistant Superintendent of the State Fire Service, said that the responding agencies have fully prepared for any fire outbreak in the state, adding the stimulation exercise has shown their readiness to tackle fire incidents.
His words: “Both state and Federal Fire Service are prepared because we have modern fire fighting trucks, equipment and manpower required.”
On his part, Nafiu Yusuf, a representative of the Red Cross, commended NEMA for a well-planned, organised and coordinated exercise. He, however, advised Sokoto residents to create road access when building their houses for easy passage of fire vehicles.
Highlights of the exercise included a dramatic display on how best to respond to fire incidents by the staff of the fire service and members of the Red Cross Nigeria.
About the Author
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
