Fire Service urges precautions amid earthquake threat after destructive Myanmar quake

In the wake of a powerful earthquake that has caused widespread devastation in Myanmar, the Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate has issued a warning for potential tremors in Bangladesh.

It has urged public and relevant stakeholders to take precautionary measures to reduce the impact of possible earthquakes, said a press release of Fire Service and Civil Defence .

Key measures recommended include:

1. Construction of Earthquake-Resistant Buildings: Adherence to the Bangladesh National Building Code (2020) for constructing earthquake-resistant structures.
2. Renovation and Strengthening of Vulnerable Buildings: Taking necessary steps to repair and reinforce old and at-risk buildings.
3. Strengthening Fire Prevention Systems: Reinforcing fire prevention systems in all multi-storey and commercial buildings.
4. Ensuring the Safety of Utility Services: Ensuring the integrity of utility lines such as gas, water, and electricity.
5. Regular Earthquake Drills and Awareness Campaigns: Organizing regular earthquake drills and awareness campaigns at individual and institutional levels to ensure preparedness.
6. Displaying Emergency Contact Numbers: Ensuring emergency phone numbers, such as those for fire services, ambulances, police, hospitals, and other critical services, are clearly displayed in public and private buildings.
7. Training Volunteers: Promoting volunteer training to effectively respond during disasters.
8. Storing Essential Emergency Supplies: Keeping essential emergency items such as flashlights, radios (with spare batteries), whistles, hammers, helmets/cushions, non-perishable food, clean water, necessary medicines, first aid kits, and child care supplies at designated spots in homes.
9. Cooperating with Monitoring Agencies: Assisting relevant authorities in disaster monitoring and preparedness activities.