The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has launched a sensitization campaign on tanker accident and fire awareness in Umuahia metropolis. The campaign featured active participation from the state Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Red Cross Society, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and various non-governmental organizations.
Addressing a gathering at Isi Court, Umuahia, the Executive Secretary, SEMA, Dr. Sunny Jackson, who emphasized the campaign’s importance due to the rising frequency of tanker-related accidents, noted that such incidents have resulted in significant loss of lives and environmental damage.
Dr Jackson
commended Governor Alex Otti for his administration’s investments in road infrastructure, which have helped reduce road accidents and urged tanker drivers to prioritize routine vehicle inspections to prevent avoidable mishaps.
Also, the Head of Research and Rescue, NEMA, Mr. Innocent Nweze who noted that the program involves key stakeholders in disaster management, enumerated steps to prevent tanker fires to include vehicle safety and driver training, rapid emergency response among others.
ln their contributions, deputy Route Commander, FRSC, Paul Onuoha, and NSCDC representative, Okechukwu Nwankwo, encouraged the public to avoid approaching tankers involved in accidents. They also stressed the to adhere to traffic regulations by motorists.
In their remarks, the Chief Fire Prevention Officer, Mr. Chukwuemeka Okezue, and the Director of Extension Services at the Abia State Agricultural Development Program, Rev. Udensi Johnson, urged residents to promptly report fire outbreaks to appropriate agencies.
In her advice, the, health Coordinator Nigeria Red Cross Society, Abia State Chapter, Miriam Obioma emphasized the importance of avoiding risky behaviors, such as scooping fuel from accident sites, which often leads to deadly explosions.
She further outlined
safety measures for rescuing tanker fire victims to include ,moving victims away from smoke-filled areas, removal of the victims clothes among others,to reduce the risk of burns.
