Nairobi county government has released a list of ten measures that will help address perennial fire tragedies facing the City.
Disaster Management and Coordination Chief Officer Bramwell Simiyu said the guidelines will help in mitigating further losses in case of a fire tragedy.
In case of a fire incident, City residents have been urged to raise the alarm and immediately notify the Nairobi Fire Brigade through the County toll-free Emergency number 1508 or the Fire Brigade’s Control Room on Telephone Numbers 020 – 2222181 / 2344599.
Community leaders are required to immediately help mobilise the youth to assist with the initial response measures, as they await the arrival of the emergency response units.
The immediate response team should prioritise the evacuation of children and vulnerable people from the affected area. This may include breaking the door locks of any locked houses within the affected area and ensuring that there are no people inside.
The team should also disconnect the electricity supply as a preventive measure against the spread
The immediate response team are required to create fire breaks by demolishing structures or even some houses located in the fire path to prevent further spread.
Locals are asked to use any available containers to fetch water or even sand to fight the fire if the intensity allows.
As the affected await the fire brigade, they should create access routes for the fire engines and emergency response vehicles; and avoid placing salvaged properties on the pathways or roads that can hinder access.
Everyone should cooperate with and follow any instructions issued by the emergency response workers at the scene of any incident.
All are asked to stay vigilant and report to the Police any suspicious persons who may attempt to prevent the emergency response units from fighting any fire through acts of hooliganism and thuggery.
To prevent such tragedies, parents are advised to avoid leaving young children in locked rooms with unattended cooking appliances and electronics.
According to Simiyu, 130 fire incidents have been recorded in Nairobi since the beginning of August this year to date.
The tragedies have left 21 people, including children dead, several injured and properties destroyed.
The settlement areas of Kibera, Mukuru (Kwa Njenga and Kwa Reuben), Mathare, Kawangware and Kangemi have been particularly hard hit.
"The investigations conducted so far reveal that the leading causes of these fires are, illegal electricity connections, unattended cooking appliances and suspected acts of arson arising from domestic violence or even business rivalry," Simiyu said.
He added that the City County Disaster Management Officers working with other emergency response workers have intensified efforts to create fire safety awareness and preparedness in the informal settlements as well as in schools and other educational institutions.