Heatwave: NEMA Urges Nigerians to Guard Against Fire Outbreaks

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned Nigerians to take precautionary measures against possible fire outbreaks and heat-related health risks following the recent rise in temperatures across parts of the country.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, NEMA said the increasing temperatures being recorded in several locations are consistent with recent forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which predicted persistent heatwave conditions during the period.
Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, urged Nigerians to exercise caution in handling items that could easily ignite under extreme heat conditions. She advised households, businesses and institutions to ensure the safe use of electrical appliances, gas cylinders and other combustible materials.
Umar also stressed the need for proper storage of flammable substances, avoidance of bush burning and regular maintenance of electrical connections to prevent fire incidents.
She further encouraged citizens to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses by staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and paying special attention to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with existing health conditions.
The NEMA boss also urged residents to follow weather updates and safety advisories from relevant agencies and promptly report emergencies to appropriate authorities, while reaffirming the agency’s commitment to disaster risk reduction and public safety.