By UGWU CHRISTIANA and OKAFOR EBELE, UNTH News Online

The Enugu State Fire Service, in collaboration with the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu, has organized a one-day workshop tagged “Zero Fire Outbreak.” Earlier, in a courtesy call to the Chief Medical Director, UNTH, Prof. Obinna Onodugu, the Chief Fire Officer, Enugu State Fire Service, Engr. Okwudili Ohaa, pointed out that the aim of their visit was to train UNTH staff on ways to prevent and combat fire incidents.

In her reaction, while representing the CMD, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Prof. Joy Eze, thanked the team for the visit. As she put it, “Fire outbreaks are very common, and the management believes that prevention is better than cure.” She deemed it fit to sensitize staff members, hence this training.

The program officially commenced at the Senior Staff Cafeteria, UNTH, with insights into the causes of fire, including carelessness, improper disposal of used or empty inflammable materials, faulty wiring, and using mobile phones near generators or filling stations.

Speaking further, the resource person advised participants to always have fire extinguishers in their homes. He gave instances of the bad effects of fire outbreaks that have claimed many lives, advising participants to always alert the fire service whenever there is a fire outbreak. He provided phone numbers to call in case of emergencies.

Furthermore, a member of the fire team, Engr. Anike, demonstrated practically how to use fire extinguishers. The event featured interactive sessions where participants’ questions were answered by Engr. Ohaa.

In her vote of thanks, Dr. Salome Ezeofor thanked the members of the UNTH community who attended the training. She equally thanked the UNTH management for sponsoring the training. The participants in the training included the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, the Director of Administration, Mrs. Uche Obi, Deputy CMACs, SSA to the CMD, and Head of PPMO, Dr. Obinna Okwesili, heads of departments, and staff of the hospital.

Practical demonstration on how to extinguish fire using a fire extinguisher

Afia Television and Urban Radio were also present for live coverage.