Based on records of reported incidents and disasters compiled by the National Disaster Management Agency, the Agency has introduced its annual hazard calendar, a valuable resource that provides timely guidance on potential risks and hazards throughout the year.
The hazard calendar serves as a cornerstone for informing its disaster risk reduction and risk communication activities. The predictive capacity of this calendar is further enhanced by the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency’s seasonal forecast, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of potential risks and hazards.
These invaluable tools enable the NDMA to provide timely advisories to citizens, offering insights into anticipated risks and necessary precautionary measures. However, it is important to note that this hazard calendar remains dynamic and subject to adjustments in response to evolving weather patterns and the impacts of climate change.
As we enter the fire season based on our hazard calendar, characterized by heightened bushfire risks across the country, road users, particularly in the northern region, are urged to exercise caution. This is especially crucial during the evening hours when individuals particularly farmers in the regions often initiate bushfires for land clearing purposes, primarily for hunting or farming activities.
In some communities in the provinces, the NDMA has instituted proactive measures through its regional officers and established structures such as by-laws ensuring farmers have a farm belt in place before burning bushes to prevent the fire from spreading beyond its intended area, not cooking inside houses, and using fire-resistant banders to smoke fish amongst others. These regulations reflect a collective commitment to safeguarding communities from potential wildfire incidents.
Furthermore, the NDMA has recorded eight (8) fire incidents mainly in Freetown since the beginning of the year, destroying properties and businesses which resulted in poor electrification. In that regard, the public is encouraged to conduct regular inspections of their electrical wiring, outlets, and appliances to identify and address potential hazards, promptly repair or replace damaged or faulty electrical components to mitigate fire risks and avoid overloading electrical outlets with multiple devices or appliances, which can lead to overheating and fire.
The National Disaster Management Agency will continue to implement its fire prevention strategy across the country to increase community awareness and reduce the risk of electrical and wildfires. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in safeguarding our communities from the threat of wildfires.