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Wednesday, January 2, 2013

NEMA warns against harmattan fire

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NEMA warns against harmattan fire
Jan 3rd 2013, 00:56

The South-West Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency management Agency, Mr. Iyiola Akande, on Wednesday cautioned Nigerians against harsh weather condition as well as fire outbreak during the harmattan.

Akande gave the warning in a statement by the Information Officer of NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.

According to him, the caution becomes necessary following the effects of extreme weather which resulted in excessive rainfall and flooding in the country last year.

Akande said there was the need to prepare against risks associated with early dry season.

He said, "NEMA is appealing that all disaster management and municipal authorities should enlighten the public on avoidable fire incidents during the period.

"All community leaders should be involved in educating Nigerians, particularly those living in peculiar environments – such as those dwelling in thatched houses, especially in rural areas.

"We need to be cautious about the use of firewood or other smoldering objects and heating materials and where such can not be avoided, the fire should be put out immediately after use."

Akande, who said it was dangerous to warm rooms with burning charcoals during harmattan, added that exposure of children, and other vulnerable people to harsh weather could cause pneumonia, asthmatic and sickle cell anemia attacks.

He said, "At times, efforts to warm room may lead to fire outbreak. Therefore, Nigerians should be reminded of the possible effects of such activities.''

Adding that the weather could cause cold and catarrh, he advised people to wear warm clothing to minimise the likelihood of contracting these diseases.

The NEMA coordinator, who also urged people to wear sun glasses to protect their eyes, noted that the seasonal wind was dusty and harsh.

He added, "The state ministries of Health and Environment should create units to enlighten people about how to cope with the dry season.

"During harmattan, the eyes are directly exposed to harsh weather, especially dust particles carried by the wind. “This can lead to itching and redness of the eyes, especially in individuals with allergic eye disease."

Akande also advised people to take a lot of fluid to compensate for loss of water from the body into the atmosphere – through respiration.

He reminded pilots to note that visibility had been reduced due to high concentration of dust particles in the air.

 

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