Nassau, The Bahamas – The Royal Bahamas Police Force Fire Service marked the beginning of Fire Safety Awareness Week with the opening of an exhibition on September 20 at the Mall at Marathon.
The week is designed to urge Bahamians to take the necessary steps to save lives and protect property from fire. The theme is “Let a Smoke Detector be your Protector.”
In his remarks during the official opening ceremony Minister of National Security the Hon Tommy Turnquest assured the public that it is the responsibility of the Fire Service to respond when called.
Minister Turnquest said, “Citizens and residents alike, however, also have a responsibility to invest in their own protection and safety in the event of fire. The public may ask the Fire Service for advice on fire safety maters, and the Service will provide that advice.”
He urged the public to take advantage of Fire Service awareness and skills development initiatives. He shared thoughts on how the public can invest in its safety.
“We can and ought to cooperate with the Fire Service in its conduct of fire safety and licensing inspections, and in its enforcement of the law in respect of our country’s fire codes,” he said.
“We can purchase, then properly place and maintain in good working order at least one smoke detector in our homes, and we should treat this not as optional, but as an absolute necessity.
“We can purchase and have on hand other fire protection equipment, particularly fire extinguishers for use not only in our homes and buildings, but also at social events, such as cookouts where fire accidents may spell disaster.”
Furthermore, he said business owners and institutions can regularly conduct fire drills, ensure that exits are clearly marked and that they have an evacuation plan.
On behalf of the Government, people of The Bahamas and the Ministry of National Security, Minister Turnquest thanked and commended officers of all ranks in the Fire Service.
“We recognise our Fire Service for the demanding and difficult work it does to save lives and protect
property, sometimes at the peril of the men and women of the Service. We recognise the skills that the Fire Service has developed in critical areas such as vehicle extrications and the fire safety awareness raising initiatives the Service undertakes, including our schools,” Minister Turnquest said.
Kathryn Campbell
Bahamas Information Services
