NASSAU, The Bahamas — More than six million dollars have been allocated to further upgrade the infrastructural and modern firefighting technologies of the Fire Services Branch of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest said Monday.
Mr. Turnquest said approximately $2.2 million has been allocated in the Police’s budget in the current fiscal year for the procurement of fire-fighting appliances (fire trucks); while an additional $1million has been provided in the Capital Budget of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport for the construction of a Fire Station in Grand Bahama.
He said the Government of The Bahamas is investing “just under $3million” in an enhanced 919 system that will improve response times.
“It is the responsibility of the Fire Services to respond when called and the Government is investing just under $3 million in an enhanced 919 system that is critical in providing immediate emergency services to citizens, residents and visitors in need,” Mr. Turnquest added.
Addressing the opening of the annual Fire Safety Awareness Week Exhibition at the Mall-at-Marathon, Mr. Turnquest said members of the Fire Services Branch have done a yeoman’s job in responding to the 1,441 fire-related calls during the first eight months of the year (January to August 2011). That works out to 180 fire-related calls per month.
He said 12 fire-related deaths have been recorded during the same time-frame, with the losses and damages to property totalling “in the millions of dollars.”
Mr. Turnquest said while the Government of The Bahamas will “continue to make the necessary investments” to improve the nation’s fire-fighting capabilities, individual homeowners and Bahamians in general, must take responsibility for protecting their homes/residences from the various fire hazards.
“We must always be prepared in the event of a fire and in order to be prepared, we must continuously prepare, read, listen and learn until fire safety awareness becomes second nature to us all, and so as to avoid death, injury and destruction” Mr. Turnquest said.
The National Security Minister said establishing exit plans in advance can also help to save lives.
He said the theme of the 2011 Fire Safety Awareness Week and Exhibition: “Don’t be in doubt, know two ways out” speaks directly to putting exit plans in place.
“It tells us that we must have an exit strategy or back-up plan,” he said. “Parents and guardians are also encouraged to have home safety drills with the entire family at least twice a year so that every family member will never be in doubt, and will always be aware, of ways to escape from a fire.”
Mr. Turnquest said the week-long exhibition was an “excellent opportunity” for members of the general public to receive first-hand knowledge on the best ways to protect their homes from fire, from fire safety officials.
“I encourage members of the public to embrace this opportunity to educate and inform themselves about fire safety measures throughout this exhibition,” he said.
“There are safety devices on display information brochures to take away, and officers from the Fire Services and other departments and private businesses here to discuss any concerns they may have,” Mr. Turnquest added.
By Matt Maura
Bahamas Information Services
