Environmental Education Strategy: A Veritable Tool in the Prevention of Fire Outbreak in Residential Buildings
Abstract
Abstract This paper highlights the importance of environmental education strategies as a veritable tool in creating awareness in the prevention of fire outbreak in residential buildings. Related literature indicates that fire outbreak in residential buildings is a global occurrence. Factors such as, faulty electrical connections, storage of flammables, faulty cooking gas cylinders and negligence of fire safety procedures contribute to its occurrence. This had led to loss of property and sources of income, disabilities and death. Theory of planned behaviour was adopted for the study. Fire awareness education, community mobilization and participation in fire prevention activities and fire safety inspection strategies were discussed. These are all aimed at preventing fire disasters in residential buildings by creating awareness among the populace. In order to achieve this, we suggest that non-governmental, governmental organizations and individuals should promote and adopt awareness and behaviour change strategies, chiefs, opinion leaders and influential members of the society should be involved in awareness programmes, regular inspection of residential buildings and residents should be trained to have basic fire prevention and fighting skills were suggested.