The recent fire at GOICO Plaza in Musanze District, which destroyed goods belonging to many traders, has raised an important question: do Rwandans know what to do when there is a fire?
A fire can happen anywhere, including in our homes, markets, schools, offices and restaurants. It can destroy property, take away people’s jobs and put lives at risk. While firefighters are trained to deal with such emergencies, everyone should know how to stay safe and what to do when a fire starts.
When people see a fire, some may try to put it out themselves, while others may rush to save their money, clothes or other belongings. However, these actions can put their lives in danger, especially when the fire is spreading quickly.
The first thing to do is to warn people nearby and move to a safe place. In Rwanda, people can call “111 to reach the Fire Brigade” or “112 for general emergencies”. These numbers should be known by everyone, and people should call as soon as possible when they notice a fire.
It is also important to know how to use a fire extinguisher, a device used to put out small fires. However, people should only try to put out a fire when it is small, they have the right equipment and they can do so without putting themselves in danger. If the fire is growing or there is a lot of smoke, they should leave immediately and let trained firefighters handle it.
People must also understand that water cannot be used on every fire. For example, pouring water on burning cooking oil or electrical equipment that is still connected to electricity can make the situation more dangerous. This is why fire safety lessons are important.
Preventing fires is just as important as knowing what to do when one starts. At home, people should avoid leaving food cooking without attention, keep candles away from things that can burn and check that electrical wires are safe. In shops and offices, too many devices connected to one socket can cause problems and should be avoided.
Schools, markets, workplaces and other public buildings should have working fire extinguishers, clear exits and plans for emergencies. Workers, students and traders should also be taught how to leave a building safely. Regular practice can help people know where to go instead of panicking.
Fire safety is not only the responsibility of firefighters. Building owners, business managers, local authorities and ordinary citizens all have a role to play in preventing fires and protecting lives. Communities should receive regular training so that people know how to respond before an emergency happens.
When a fire destroys someone’s property, the loss can be painful. For some families, it means losing their only source of income. It is understandable that people may want to save what they have worked hard to buy, but no property is worth losing a life over.
The fire in Musanze should remind Rwandans that knowing what to do during an emergency can make a difference. We may not all be firefighters, but we can learn how to prevent fires, call for help and get ourselves and others to safety.
Brenna AKARABO
RADIOTV10