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March is Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines. Get life-saving tips HERE:

We often brush off the idea that our homes may catch fire one day. Thus, fire prevention becomes the least of our priorities. But the reality is, we are putting our property and lives in great risk by not fireproofing our home.

March is observed in the Philippines as Fire Prevention Month, as declared in Proclamation No. 115-A, signed by then-President Ferdinand E. Marcos. So, let's get educated on how to prevent fires from starting in our homes, and what we should do in case a fire ensues.

Protecting Home from Fires

Below are fire safety tips from the Bureau of Fire Prevention, shared by The Philippine Information Agency:

1. Unplug all electrical equipment when not in use and regularly check electrical equipment to avoid overloading of electrical circuits.

2. When using cooking gas, check for gas leaks and always ensure that the LPG tank is stored in a well-ventilated area to avoid the accumulation of gas vapors.

3. Enforce “No Smoking” policy inside or outside the house and dispose of cigarette butts properly.

4. Practice proper housekeeping and keep flammable materials out of reach of children. Flammable materials include candles, lighters, and matches, which should be kept properly and securely.

5. Plan ahead--establish an emergency and evacuation plan at home and familiarize yourself with escape routes. And most importantly, keep flammables away from your children.

6. In case of fire, close the door of the burning area to stop the spread of fire. As smoke rises up, breathe slowly, and get a piece of wet cloth to cover the nose and mouth to avoid suffocation.

7. When trapped in a fire hit area, it is highly recommended to go to a room with windows leading outdoors.

8. If clothes catch fire, do not run or panic, do the: “Stop, Drop, and Roll.“ In this life-threatening situation, shout for help or wave a cloth outside the window to alert the people around you and keep in mind to remain calm.

9. The most important thing to do is to call 911, the nationwide emergency hotline number, and tell the emergency operator of your location right away.

What to do when your house is on fire

Here are the things you should do if a fire starts at home, according to the American Red Cross:

1. Know how to safely operate a fire extinguisher

2. Remember to GET OUT, STAY OUT and your local emergency phone number.

3. Yell "Fire!" several times and go outside right away. If you live in a building with elevators, use the stairs. Leave all your things where they are and save yourself.

4. If closed doors or handles are warm or smoke blocks your primary escape route, use your second way out. Never open doors that are warm to the touch.

5. If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit. Close doors behind you.

6. If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with doors closed. Place a wet towel under the door and call the fire department or your local emergency phone number. Open a window and wave a brightly colored cloth or flashlight to signal for help.

7. Once you are outside, go to your meeting place and then send one person to call the fire department. If you cannot get to your meeting place, follow your family emergency communication plan.

Here's one last tip: It's important to keep a list of emergency hotline numbers handy, or save them on your mobile phones. So, you can call the local fire station right away.

These fire prevention and safety tips are essential in saving properties and lives. So, keep them in mind and stay safe, mga Kapuso.