Abuja — The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned Nigerians to take precautionary measures against fire outbreaks and heat-related health challenges following rising temperatures across parts of the country.
The agency issued the advisory amid increasing heatwave conditions recently confirmed by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which forecasts persistent high temperatures during the current period.
In a statement signed by the Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, urged citizens to exercise greater caution when handling materials and appliances that could trigger fire incidents under extreme heat conditions.
She advised households, businesses and public institutions to pay close attention to the safe use of electrical appliances, gas cylinders and other combustible materials, noting that excessive heat increases the likelihood of ignition.
Umar further stressed the importance of proper storage of flammable substances, the avoidance of bush burning and the need to ensure electrical connections are properly maintained to prevent fire disasters.
Beyond fire safety, she cautioned Nigerians about heat-related health risks and encouraged the public to take preventive measures such as staying well hydrated, limiting prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and paying special attention to vulnerable groups including children, the elderly and persons with underlying health conditions.
READ ALSO: Abike Dabiri-Erewa Urges Nigerian’s Women to Participate in Politics to Shape National Discourse
The NEMA chief also urged residents to monitor weather forecasts and safety advisories issued by relevant authorities, particularly NiMet and emergency management agencies, while encouraging communities to promptly report fire outbreaks or other emergencies to appropriate response agencies.
She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustained public awareness and proactive disaster risk reduction in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to protect lives, property and the environment.
About The Author
