KMC to launch fire safety awareness programme

Kathmandu, October 30

Kathmandu Metropolitan City is set to organise a week-long fire safety awareness programme to prevent possible untoward incidents caused by fire crackers and oil lit lamps during Tihar.

Organising a meeting at the emergency centre of City Hall today, KMC officials decided to conduct awareness programmes from November 2. Tihar, also known as Deepawali, is a festival of lights. People illuminate their houses with candles, oil lamps and electric lamps and this increases chances of fire. Controlling use of illegal fire crackers during Tihar is another challenge for security personnel.

Disaster Management Department of KMC will conduct fire safety awareness programmes at various public places like schools, government offices and busy market places. “All ward chairs, ward members and local leaders will be asked to spread fire safety awareness in their areas,” said Indraman Singh Suwal head of the DMD, adding, “Nepal Police and Nepali Army personnel, and various fire fighting units will be in alert position during Tihar to prevent incidents of fire,” said Suwal.

Meanwhile, Police have stepped up security to ensure that illegal fireworks are not used in Kathmandu valley during Tihar. Security personnel have been keeping vigil on the outskirts of the Valley, mainly at major entry points, to curb illegal imports of explosive materials and firecrackers in the run-up to Tihar. Police said use of firecrackers can cause serious injuries and pose threats to public health due to noise and air pollution. The smoke from firecrackers consists mainly of toxic dusts and are hence harmful to health. This year Tihar begins from November 5.

The post KMC to launch fire safety awareness programme appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2COU9bX