Nigerians urged to be more safety conscious to reduce risk of disasters
Nigerians Urged to Be More Safety Conscious to Reduce Risk of Disasters
As the world marks the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, Nigerians have been urged to be more safety conscious to reduce the risk of disasters in the country. The call was made by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other stakeholders in the disaster management sector.
According to NEMA, Nigeria is prone to various types of disasters, including floods, earthquakes, landslides, and oil spills, which can have devastating effects on lives and properties. The agency noted that the country's vulnerability to disasters is exacerbated by factors such as rapid urbanization, climate change, and poor infrastructure.
To mitigate the risk of disasters, NEMA and other stakeholders are urging Nigerians to take proactive measures to ensure their safety and the safety of their communities. Some of the measures include:
- Creating emergency plans: Individuals and households should create emergency plans that outline what to do in case of a disaster. This should include identifying safe zones, evacuation routes, and emergency contact numbers.
- Staying informed: Nigerians should stay informed about weather forecasts, disaster risks, and emergency alerts to enable them to take necessary precautions.
- Maintaining safe living conditions: Buildings and homes should be constructed and maintained to withstand natural disasters. This includes ensuring that buildings are designed and constructed to resist earthquakes, floods, and other types of disasters.
- Practicing fire safety: Fire safety measures should be implemented in homes, schools, and workplaces to prevent fires and reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities.
- Supporting disaster preparedness efforts: Nigerians should support disaster preparedness efforts by volunteering their time and resources to help communities prepare for disasters.
The Director-General of NEMA, Mustapha Maihaja, emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness and response, saying, "Disasters can strike at any time, and it is crucial that we are prepared to respond quickly and effectively. By taking proactive measures to reduce the risk of disasters, we can save lives and reduce the impact of disasters on our communities."
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed annually on October 13 to raise awareness about the importance of disaster risk reduction and management. This year's theme is "Build to Last: Safer and More Resilient Infrastructure for a Changing World."