Preparedness and awareness help fight fire

FE Team | Published: November 01, 2018 19:53:51

Bangladesh is one of the world's most densely populated countries. Disasters and mishaps are very common here. Often manmade disasters occur more in this country than natural disasters.
There is an increased risk of fire incidents in urban and suburban areas. Fire can be caused by many things. The sources of a blaze can be from a burning cigarette that was dumped on the street to a short circuit in the power lines to a gas leak. Regardless of the sources, there is one common reason behind most fires: carelessness.
Another reason behind fire incidents is the intent of arson. These incidents often lead to serious injuries and death for victims.
Though fire is one of the most likely manmade disasters in the country, preparedness for such disaster is still very weak.
Most buildings in the country still do not have adequate number of fire extinguishers or fire escapes. These are absent in slums or in villages.
Additionally, the hospitals in Bangladesh do not have adequate number of burn units for such victims. Only Dhaka Medical College Hospital has a burn unit with limited number of beds.
Thankfully, the 'Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn And Plastic Surgery' was recently launched. The hospital has 500 beds, 50 intensive care units and 12 operating theatres. One of the three blocks in the institute is a burn unit while the other two include a plastic surgery unit and an academic wing.
This new institute is certainly good for the country. But more burn units are required in other hospitals across the country.
Also, greater awareness among the people of fire safety and dangerous substances can stop deadly fire incidents from occurring.
Md. Jakaria
Student, University of Dhaka
mdjakaria3050@gmail.com