For the past 36 columns, I’ve been saying loud and clear that fire safety isn’t just someone else’s job; it’s on all of us to keep things safe.
Bigwigs in charge of laws need to make sure buildings are built safely and keep them that way with rules; landlords and property managers should keep the fire staff working, run drills, and keep exits clear; businesses and schools need to make sure everyone knows what to do in case of a fire, not just when it happens; teachers should teach kids about fire safety so they grow up knowing how to handle it; and every one of us, at home or work, needs to know the fire hazards, where to go in an emergency, and how to use that little red fire extinguisher.
Fire safety isn’t just for some people to worry about; we all have to do our part. If just one person slacks off, it can mess up safety for everyone. It’s about everyone being aware, all the time, and working together. That’s the only way we can keep fires from causing too much damage and keep our neighbourhoods safe.
The question we must ask ourselves is: how do we prioritise fire safety knowledge as an integral part of our lives? And how do we prepare ourselves to face emergencies and crises?
Creating awareness about prevention and fostering a mindset that prioritises safety is vital.
We must cultivate a culture of incident prevention.
This starts at the roots of the problem: building a safe community by educating our youth and igniting their awareness.
By preparing them to manage crises in their early stages, we can significantly reduce their impact.
The first five minutes of any crisis are critical; swift and informed action can prevent escalation and mitigate damage.
Communities need to understand the importance of keeping minor crises from escalating into major incidents, disasters, or catastrophes.
Awareness and training are key to achieving this.
Sharing success stories of local heroes who have responded positively to incidents and managed to prevent their escalation can serve as powerful examples of what proactive and prepared communities can accomplish.
Authorities, too, play an essential role by drafting and implementing policies that safeguard communities.
However, policies alone are not enough.
Establishing Community Learning Centres to promote fire safety and best practices is crucial.
These centres can serve as platforms for education, engagement, and the dissemination of life-saving knowledge.
Despite ongoing efforts, managing fire safety in Sarawak remains a challenge.
While statistics show a decrease in fires, deaths, and property destruction per capita, these numbers are still concerning.
Urban communities often lack involvement in fostering a safety culture.
In riverine areas, indifference towards water safety during high-risk activities continues to be a significant concern.
Alarmingly, drowning cases remain high.
This highlights the urgent need for communities to recognise the inherent dangers of water activities and take proactive measures to mitigate these risks.
Safety during water activities requires a mindset of caution and preparedness.
Communities must understand potential hazards, know how to swim, wear appropriate safety gear, and familiarise themselves with emergency procedures.
Empowering individuals with such knowledge and skills not only ensures their safety but also contributes to the collective well-being of the community.
Building resilient communities requires collaboration.
Government entities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community stakeholders must work together.
Structured programmes like those by Bomba Sarawak play a critical role in enhancing local response systems.
These initiatives align with the National Fire and Rescue Policy (NFRP) 2021-2030, which focuses on creating a safe environment, fostering a fire safety culture, empowering inclusive strategic collaboration, and building an effective and sustainable fire safety fraternity.
The NFRP outlines 47 strategies, 95 action plans, and 208 initiatives.
These efforts require the active involvement of communities, government agencies, and industry players.
Community engagement is a cornerstone of these initiatives, empowering people to take an active role in safeguarding their environment.
Public education efforts, community-driven initiatives, and local leadership advocacy are all critical components.
Fostering a culture of safety demands a shift in mindset.
Communities must embrace resilience—the ability to resist, absorb, and recover from hazards.
Failing to improve resilience can lead to severe socio-economic consequences, including the disruption of essential lifelines such as food distribution, water and electricity supply, healthcare, and transportation.
Frequent small- and medium-scale disasters, as well as single intense events, can erode public trust and deter potential investors.
Emerging technologies, such as electric vehicles (EVs), present new challenges for fire safety. However, these challenges also offer opportunities.
By understanding the associated risks and managing them diligently, we can harness these advancements for a cleaner and greener future.
Creating a culture of safety in Sarawak is no small task, but it is a necessary one.
Empowering individuals to become champions during emergencies is critical.
With the right knowledge and skills, these individuals can protect not only themselves but also others.
Community engagement, underpinned by public education, awareness programs, and collaborative efforts with government-linked corporations (GLCs) and NGOs, is essential to this mission.
The duties of the Fire Department are clearly defined in the Fire Services Act 341, but Total Fire Safety cannot rest solely on the shoulders of one department. It must be a collective effort.
Together, we can build a fire- and life-safety-resilient community — one that is prepared, proactive, and united in safeguarding lives and property.
Resilience is not just a goal; it is a way of life.
By embracing this shared responsibility, we can turn the vision of total fire safety into a reality for Sarawak and beyond.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
