To ensure a safe and festive Christmas celebration, Dabawenyos are reminded of the fire safety tips that they must follow during the holidays.
John Stephen Monterola, the Fire Station Commander of the Davao City Youth Fire Rescue Volunteer, Inc., said fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
He said that by memorizing the term YOUTH, Dabawenyos can contribute to the prevention of fire. Y for Yaw-yawi ang myembro sa pamilya nga wala’y pakabana unsaon paglikay sa sunog (Talk to family members who are not interested in preventing fires), O for Octopus wiring, likayan sa panimalay (Avoid octopus wiring in the house), U for Unaha ang pagpalong sa sunog bago mag video (Extinguish the fire first before taking a video), T for Tawag dayon sa emergency hotline (Immediately call the emergency hotline), and H for Hawa dayon sa delikado nga lugar (Immediately leave the hazardous place).
He said “yaw-yawan” means informing or educating the family members on the things that they should do to avoid fire.
He also advised Dabawenyos to contact the emergency hotlines before taking a video, as they have noticed that some people take videos before taking action.
“If [you see] fire, kung kaya pa nato na siya’g palong, unahon sa nato na’g palong, bago ta mag video-video or mag-post. Kung kita, ug unsa ato’ng matabang sa ato’ng pamaagi, atoang buhaton dayon (If you see a fire, if it’s still manageable, let’s put it out first before taking a video or posting it (on social media). If we witness a fire incident, we should act right away and assist in any way),” he said.
He also said that Dabawenyos must be aware of the household safety tips, especially those who will leave their homes.
He said Dabawenyos should not leave their cooking unattended and should turn off their Christmas lights before leaving home.
“Kung unsa ato’ng makaya nga malikayan ang sunog diha pa lang sa level sa panimalay, atoa na’ng buhaton (We ought to take action to stop home fires if we can),” he said.
He also said parents’ involvement is vital, especially in educating their children on fire prevention tips.
He added that daily adherence to fire safety is essential.
“Istoryahi ninyo kanang mga safety tips sa inyo’ng panimalay, para ma-aware pod ang mga anak. Para sa ing-ana pa lang nga edad, aware na sila nga delikado diay ni (Talk about these safety tips in your homes to ensure your kids are aware of these safety precautions. In that way, even at their age they will know about that these are dangerous),” he said.
“I just like to remind everyone, as our city’s slogan, “Basta Dabawenyo DCplinado”, so part of being disciplined is kana gyu’ng magbinantayon ta sa kanunay. So, i-apply lang nato na kanunay sa ato’ng aspect sa kinabuhi (I just like to remind everyone of our city’s slogan, “Basta Dabawenyo DCplinado,” which states that being disciplined includes being cautious at all times. Let’s apply this as part of life),” he said. CIO
