Daily Lessons from Life 01 December 2010 - SCDF to step up enforcement checks during festive season

"SCDF to step up enforcement checks during festive season - Wed, Dec 01, 2010 AsiaOne

SINGAPORE - The Singapore Civil Defence Force will be stepping up enforcement checks during the coming festive season.

The public is reminded to exercise greater caution to minimise fire hazards and prevent outbreaks of fire as the number of patrons in public areas will be greater.

Places of recreation and entertainment like hotels and shopping centres are especially at risk. Overcrowding in public entertainment outlets like discotheques and pubs should also be avoided."

Yes. It is the festive month again. December, the month to make merry and prepare to send off 2010 and welcome 2011. It is also one of the most commercially celebrated festival on the calendar besides the Lunar Chinese New Year period in Singapore!

It is very timely that the fire brigade sounded the alarm for the people to be aware of the lurking danger if fire safety is not taken to heart. Though, I am not sure if many people are paying attention. Whatever, the authority had done the necessary and the business establishments and the people responsible for all the various celebration parties at various venues are taken actions too.

Lessons for me are:

1. it is not cool to be sounding precautionary tales when people planned to enjoy and indulge themselves. Well, in fire safety, we need to be right and not be popular!;

2. Singapore has not had any major mishaps during the festive month before. So let's keep it that way though we had read about deadly fires in Thailand, China, Manila, and other places where revellers were crushed or burned or suffocated to death before. It probably is due to good fortune as well as the vigilance and seriousness Singaporeans take fire hazel;

3. the next logical thing to do for the authority is to keep up a strict spot-check routine to the potential hot spots as sometimes some business people simply cannot do the right things without being watched! It will be worth the efforts!

Welcome December. May it be a merry and joyous month for all as we prepare to bid farewell to 2010 and welcome 2011!!