You would think that smack in the middle of an unrelenting viral pandemic, which has so monopolized our lives as it takes more and more Barbadian lives, it would be well-nigh impossible to shift focus.
But there are really important issues that deserve no less of our attention. One of these is a disturbing spate of house fires just two months into this year.
The New Year started on a tragic note when an elderly woman perished in a house fire at The Garden, St James.
Then days later, a family of four at Vauxhall, Christ Church lost their homes to fire. And it has only got worse.
On January 27, a blaze destroyed the home and possessions of 12 people at Weston, St James. That same evening, fire also struck at Upper Carlton in the same parish.
Fire also damaged buildings at the Crane Hotel in St Philip earlier this month.
And this weekend, while the nation was on pause, a family of 17 in Phillips Road, St Stephen’s Hill, Black Rock, lost virtually everything to fire.
So far, reports have not been made public on what has been causing these fires, but they all serve as glaring reminders of how important home safety is.
The Barbados Fire Service reported a 24 per cent increase in residential fires for 2020, with the 2019 figures standing at 61, compared with 67 recorded between January 1 and November 1.
Officers in the fire service’s Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement Unit have identified several common practices often overlooked in the home that can lead to disaster.
These include turning on the gas before lighting the stove; storing the gas bottle in a cupboard; charging your phone and laptop on your bed; leaving fans plugged in; faulty wiring; overusing extension cords; unattended stoves and the burning of rubbish or grass.
Losing a home is demoralising and stressful especially knowing that years of hard work disappear in flames, and particularly at a time of greater economic dislocation and uncertainty.
It is a massive financial undertaking to restore all that was lost that can leave families financially stressed for a very long time.
But even more traumatic is the death or severe injury of loved ones and breadwinners.
We praise our firefighters for ably responding to these disasters but it is time to heed their expert advice.
Fire Chief Errol Mayard has persistently advised citizens to take charge of their own home safety, pay attention to and fix potential hazards as soon as possible to prevent a hazard from becoming a disaster.
The it-can’t-happen-to-me attitude is not borne by the facts. Surely, we have enough evidence that fires can happen anywhere, anytime and when they do, it’s too late to prepare.
But house fires can be prevented if basic safety measures are practised.
An important first step is to install an inexpensive smoke alarm. Their batteries should be regularly checked. It is also important to have a fire extinguisher on hand.
One should never smoke in bed and lighters, matches and cigarettes must be kept away from children.
Never leave lit candles unattended; place them in sturdy holders on uncluttered surfaces, keeping them at least a foot away from anything that can burn, including curtains, sheets, furniture and carpeting.
Don’t overload electrical outlets; replace frayed extension cords; do not use too many extension cords; unplug major appliances when not in use.
Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are not blocked by furniture or clutter.
Be aware and be prepared. And take time to make sure all family members including children know what to do if a fire breaks out at home.
Having an escape plan, including a safe assembly point outside is good practice, not only for fires but any emergency.
And the Fire Service fire prevention officers are actually there for you to call them for complete advice for your home, business, temple and club.
They’d much prefer to be called to give out advice than put out a fire.
