The National Emergency management Agency (NEMA) recently gave lectures to the traders of Panteka market in Kaduna metropolis on fire prevention during the harmattan.
Ishaya Chinoko, North west zonal coordinator of the agency, said this was something they had to do because of the increase in fire incidents during harmattan in several markets within the zone.
According to him, “market fire is human-induced disaster that exposes victims to risk of injury, death and destruction of property.
“The simulation exercise is in line with NEMA’s Disaster Risk Reduction response strategies, also aimed at reducing fire incidences in the state.
“Today, NEMA is engaged in proactive emergency management and not reactionary form of emergency management,” he said after a simulation on fire control.
He also talked about the need for provision of fire extinguishers in markets to douse any fire outbreak and prevent more losses by the poor traders.
Chonoko added that insurance cover would help immensely in securing businesses, especially in times of fire outbreak, and advised the traders to insure their businesses and property.
Paul Aboi, Director, Kaduna State Fire Service, advised the traders to take careful measures when burning refuse or keeping warm as such practices lead to fire out break.
He said fire incidences in the market were mostly due to carelessness.
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