Stakeholders warn residents of Port Harcourt against act that could trigger fire

As the dry season sets in, residents of Port Harcourt and its environs have been advised to be mindful of their activities to avert fire disasters. Head of operation, Federal Fire Service Mr. Abbas Reagan gave this advice at a stakeholders meeting on disaster management organized by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, South south zonal office in Port Harcourt. Mr. Reagan while highlighting challenges they encounter in the cause of responding to emergencies in situations of fire outbreak, said most times victims delay in contacting the Fire service. Mr. Reagan however assured that measures have been put in place by the service to tackle any fire emergency during this season. Earlier in his address, NEMA’s South south Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Walson Ibarakumo said emergency situations occur frequently in the region with devastating consequences, hence the need for stakeholders to prepare effectively in order to reduce the impact. Mr. Ibarakumo charged local government authorities to take up responsibilities of managing disaster in their localities, noting that they can always get assistance from the state and federal government when they are overwhelmed by the impact of the disasters. The theme of the stakeholders meeting was Fire preparedness and prevention in the dry season. Also present at the stakeholders meeting were the Federal Road safety Corps, FRSC, the Nigerian Police, members of the Red Cross Association amongst others.