7 LAKH PUNEKARS TO BE FIRE-SAFE THIS NATIONAL FIRE SERVICE WEEK
Pune, April 12, 2018: On the launch of National Fire Service Week 2018, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) fire departments collaborated with Safe Kids Foundation, a global not-for-profit organization, for a citywide fire safety awareness drive. Fire safety procedures from the Honeywell-sponsored Safe Kids at Home curriculum will be used during the week.
Safe Kids at Home is a home safety program to help prevent and reduce burns and scalds among children under 14 years old, and was created in partnership with Honeywell Hometown Solutions India Foundation, supporting the company’s corporate citizenship initiatives. Backed by extensive market research, the program deploys cutting-edge, experiential, and fun educational tools on fire safety and has already reached 425,000 students and 250,000 parents in Pune. To date, the program also helped create 300 model fire safe schools and 100 model fire safe communities that are equipped to deal with fire emergencies.
Prashant Ranpise, Chief Fire Officer, Pune Fire Department, said, “We continue to create fire safety awareness among Punekars, and equip them to deal with fire emergencies. While our department is always at the forefront in responding to every fire situation with urgency, disaster preparedness will ensure growth and sustainability. Therefore, for the last three years, we have been encouraging fire safety practices among city residents, especially children.”
Kiran Gawade, Chief Fire Officer, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, said, “Owing to rapid urbanization and the increasing consumption of plastic in industries and residences, fire hazards are on rise. It is important to reduce the use of combustible materials to make cities safer and environment friendly.”
A citywide awareness drive has been planned as part of National Fire Service week from April 14 – 20 that will feature interactive activities such as rallies, street plays, exhibitions, workshops on fire safety, carnival for kids, mall events, and model and poster-making competitions. In addition, Safe Kids Foundation and the fire departments will induct 150 Agni Suraksha Mitras who will assist the fire departments during fire emergencies in the city.
Dr. Cinthia Pinto, Program Director, Safe Kids Foundation, said, “We are pleased to see an increased participation from Punekars every year and believe that this year’s awareness drive will benefit more than 700,000 citizens. We are thankful to PMC and PCMC fire departments for acknowledging our Safe Kids at Home program and proud to partner with them on this awareness drive.”
Vikas Chadha, President, Honeywell India, said, “Honeywell brings decades of fire safety experience, our global connected technologies, and local understanding to keep homes and families safe. We are proud to support the Safe Kids at Home program, which is transforming community knowledge, behaviors and attitudes towards safety.”
National Fire Service Week is observed every year in remembrance of fire service personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty and serves to raise public awareness on fire safety.
