Neilasa Sopfü flagging off Cyclothon in Kohima on April 14. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 14
Cyclothon under the banner ‘Cycling for Fire Safety Awareness’ as part of Fire Week 2021 was flagged off here by Neilasa Sopfü, IG, Fire & Emergency Services Nagaland on April 14.
It will cover the distance of 200 km (Kohima, Wokha and Mokokchung districts and Assam border) and culminate at Tuli in Mokokchung district on April 18.
In every stoppage, the fire fighters will distribute pamphlets on fire safety measures and interact with the public.
Cyclothon is organized by Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, Nagaland in collaboration with Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India, Directorate General Fire Service, Civil Defence & Home Guards, All India Fire Service Sports Control Board.
Sopfü said that the objective of Cyclothon is to spread mass awareness on fire safety and in line with Fit India Movement.
On April 14, the fire fighters made a stoppage at High School Junction, Kohima, Chiephobozou Town, Chiechama village junction, Botsa and hold at Tseminyu.
They will make a stopover Chunlikha, Longsa village junction and hold at Wokha town on April 15.
On April 16, at Chukitong town, VK Town, Alichen and hold Mokokchung. April 17- at Changtongya and Tuli Town.
Thereafter, valedictory function at Tuli Fire Station on April 18 at 10:00 AM.
Fire & evacuation drill
Apart from Cyclothon, the Fire Week 2021 with the theme “Maintenance of fire safety equipment is key to mitigate fire hazards,” will be marked by fire & evacuation drill, lecture, demonstration etc, according to Kenny Khing RO (E), FHQ, Nagaland, Kohima.
The Fire Week 2021 will propagate the necessity to provide mass awareness to minimize loss of property and life due to fire.
Khing said that in remembrance of fire service martyrs during call of duty, one minute silence was also observed today.
Fire & evacuation drill will be conducted in schools and colleges. Essay and competition will also be conducted.
Lecture, demonstration on handling of extinguishers, search and rescue techniques, workshop on fire prevention and protection will also be organized at public places on April 17 with the aim to provide fire safety awareness to the general public.
Do’s and Don’t
• Through a pamphlet, the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, Nagaland advised the public not to panic in case of fire but to stay calm, take action and call the local fire station.
Wildfire
• Extinguish fire pits and campfires properly when done
• Don’t throw lit cigarettes and burnt-out cigarette butts indiscriminately
• Use caution when using flammable liquids while making fire
• Report any unattended wild fires immediately to concerned authorities
• Indiscriminate burning of jungle is a punishable offence.
Kitchen fire
• Always remain in the kitchen when cooking
• Keep flammable items such as rags, paper towels and other combustible material away from stove or fire place
• Keep your stove & oven clean
• Avoid overheating of oil and grease while cooking
• Never use water to put out grease/oil fires.
• Maintain safe distance between hearth and LPG cylinders
Electrical fire
• Avoid plugging in/connecting too many electrical devices into a single socket which causes over loading of electrical outlets or extension cords
• Use only ISI marked standard brands for any electrical installation
• Damaged wiring and faulty electrical appliances should be repaired /replaced immediately
• Install proper electrical protective devices such as MCB, fuses etc. to avoid short-circuits and electric shocks
• Don’t run extension or appliance cords under rugs or carpets
LPG fire
• Always keep cylinders in a secure and upright position
• Put the protective valve cap back in place when a cylinder is not in use
• Don’t expose the cylinder to heat and direct sunlight
• Don’t use oil or grease to lubricate the nozzle or valves of gas cylinders
• Turn the regulator knob to OFF position once you are done with cooking
• Ensure there is adequate ventilation when using LPG appliances to allow fresh air for consumption and removal of burnt gases.
