With temperatures rising around the nation, the National Emergency Management Agency has warned Nigerians about the increased risk of fire outbreaks and heat-related health issues. On behalf of Director-General Zubaida Umar, the agency's Head of Press and Public Relations, Manzo Ezekiel, released a statement on Saturday that included the warning. The organization advises people to take precautions because the current heatwave conditions have increased the risk of fire incidents and health issues.
"The National Emergency Management Agency warns of the increased risk of fire disasters and related health challenges that may arise from the prevailing weather situation following the recent rise in daily temperatures and heatwave conditions across parts of the country," the statement stated.
According to NEMA, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency's most recent forecasts verified the high temperatures that are currently being felt in several areas of the nation.
"The Nigerian Meteorological Agency's recent forecasts, which indicate the likelihood of persistent heat conditions during this period, have confirmed the elevated temperatures being experienced in many parts of the country," the statement continued.
Therefore, Nigerians were urged by Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, to be cautious when handling and using materials that could easily cause fire breakouts, especially in extremely hot weather.
According to the statement, "she urged households, businesses, and public institutions to pay close attention to the safe use of electrical appliances, gas cylinders, and other combustible materials, noting that excessive heat can increase the vulnerability of such items to ignition."
Umar also cautioned against actions that could raise the risk of fire outbreaks and emphasized the necessity of storing combustible materials properly.
According to the statement, "she emphasized the need for proper storage of flammable substances, avoidance of bush burning, and ensuring that electrical connections are properly maintained to reduce the risk of fire incidents."
The head of NEMA counseled Nigerians to adopt preventative measures to shield themselves from heat-related health issues in addition to fire safety.
The statement stated, "In addition to fire safety, the DG NEMA advised citizens to take preventive measures against heat-related health challenges by staying well hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and paying special attention to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and persons with underlying health conditions."
Along with encouraging communities to promptly report any fire outbreak or emergency to the appropriate response agencies, she also urged residents to pay attention to weather forecasts and safety advisories issued by pertinent authorities, especially the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and emergency management agencies.
In keeping with the Federal Government's efforts to protect people, property, and the environment, the Director-General reiterated NEMA's dedication to proactive disaster risk reduction and ongoing public awareness.
The caution was issued a few days after the Nigerian Meteorological Agency issued a warning about the severe heat stress that millions of Nigerians were experiencing.
NiMet issued an advisory on Tuesday, March 10, stating that temperatures were predicted to surpass 40°C in a number of states, with humidity levels exacerbating discomfort and raising the risk of heat-related illnesses.
The Federal Capital Territory and the states of Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Kogi, Nasarawa, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, and Cross River are anticipated to have the worst circumstances.
The agency also said that northern states, including Taraba, Adamawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Sokoto, are on high alert.