The Federal Fire Service (FFS) on Wednesday in Abuja called for caution in the use of hand sanitizers in homes to avoid fire incidents.
Mr Abdulganiyu Jaji, Head of the Inspectorate, Investigation and Enforcement Department of the agency, gave the advice at a low-key event to mark the 2020 National Fire Safety Week.
Jaji, who represented the FFS Controller-General, Mr Liman Ibrahim, said the message was necessitated by increased use of hand sanitizers in homes over the Coronavirus pandemic.
According to him, most hand sanitizers are highly inflammable and could easily start fires if not properly handled, especially by children.
“The sanitizer we use contains chemicals which when exposed to fire can lead to a fire outbreak.
“That is why we have to be conscious of it. Most times, we see people putting the sanitizer outside the home- by the entrance.
“This is to prevent the alcohol vapour from spreading inside the house,” he said.
To reduce the risk of disaster, Jaji advised users of hand sanitizers to rub their hands properly until dry before going near a fire.
He also urged them to keep cans of the liquid out of the reach of children when not in use and away from open fire sources.
The FFS official noted that the risk of home fires was very high now that families were observing the stay-at-home directive to prevent further spread of the virus.
“Currently, most families are at home because of the pandemic ravaging the country and with this comes the high risk of fire outbreak.
“Parents need to properly monitor their children because they can start fire incidents by playing with matches, electric appliances and other sources of ignition.
“This is why the Controller-General made it important for my department to enlighten the public on the need to be safety conscious in this period of staying at home,” he said.
He urged families to equip their homes with fire extinguishers and fire blankets which were used to control fire in the kitchen.
New Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the theme of this year’s fire safety week is “Plan and Practice Your Escape”.(NAN)
