Digital Goa, Mar 11- South and North Goa Collectors have issued public notices specifying dos and don’ts in view of rising fire incidents across Goa.
DO’s:-
- Be careful with cigarettes, matches and other inflammable materials. Make sure to extinguish them and dispose them in appropriate manner
- Never leave a fire unattended without completely extínguishing, checking and re-checking the ashes, particularly if near vegetated areas.
- Use caution when using outdoor equipment’s such as grills, lawn mower, chainsaws etc Make sure they are in good working condition and are used away from dry vegetation.
- Be aware of weather conditions, especially during times of high heat, low humidity and high winds. Avoid outdoor activities involving lighting of Fire(s) that could cause sparks or ignition during these times.
- Avoid slash and burn techniques in cultivation areas, particularly in cashew plantations at this time. All such operations are to be carried out only under intimation to the Department of Forests and Department of Agriculture.
- Lightening in places of dry vegetation may cause fires: it is advisable to create a buffer zone between the dried vegetation and habitation to contain spread in the event of fires. For seeking any assistance, do contact the Village Panchayats and/or forest officials.
- Be informed and make others aware about mobile, email, radio, TV alerts/warnings systems.
- During Forest fire season, listen regularly to Radio for information & obey the instructions cum advices regarding moving to safer locations.
- For suppressing small fires in dry vegetation, encircle the area with water by wetting the ground and call a Fire Brigade immediately.
- Report immediately any sign of wildfire, including smoke or flames, if observed, to local authorities such as Village Panchayat. In case of forest fire detection immediately inform the Forest Department toll free Helpline number 1926 or nearest Forest beat official or Fire Helpline number.
- Move farm animals and moveable goods to safer places.
- If caught in fire incidence outdoor, breathe closedto the ground preferably through a moist cloth, to avoid inhaling smoke into yow lungs. If you’re driving, roll up your windows and close their air vents. The smoke from the forest can get into your car, irritate your eyes and cause breathing problems. Also, turn your headlights on and keep your doors unlocked to assist in evacuation, if the need be so arises
- Teach the causes and harm of fire to your family, friends and others. Make people aware about forest fire safety.
DONT’S
- Do not engage in slash and burn techniques in cultivations and grasslands on days of high summer temperature, low humidity and high winds.
- Don’t enter the forest areas during fires.
- Do not light fire in and around any dry vegetated areas as it may lead to a fire-disaster.
- Do not leave any open fire in vegetated/forest area.
- Avoid any open burning in windy condition in forest.
- Do not leave behind flammable carelessly and without properly ensuring they are extinguished after camping
- Do not smoke near vegetation.
- Do not leave/throw cigarettes, matches, and other inflammable materials from moving vehicles near vegetables / Forest area. Extinguish and dispose wastes in designated areas.
- Do not use fireworks or any other explosives in near vegetated /forested area.
- Do not allow rubbish such as old furniture, boxes, pallets, and dead vegetation to pile up around your house. Dispose them of promptly and in appropriate manner. Do not burn trash, leaves or other debris, especially during dry or windy conditions.
- Do not drive off-road or park on dry grass, as the heat from the exhaust system can ignite the vegetation.
- Do not panic when a sudden fire occurs in the forest or nearby areas; be calm & encourage others & community to deal patiently by first moving away from the place of incidence of contacting the responsible officials of Village Panchayat, Forest Department and/or the Fire Brigade.
