Lagos Urged to Enhance Fire Safety Preparedness

Anthonia Beri, the CEO of Safety Consult Solutions, stressed the importance of Lagos State's preparedness for fire safety beyond just compliance with regulations. She highlighted that effective emergency response relies on several factors, including occupant awareness, clear evacuation routes, and regular emergency drills.

Beri will deliver a presentation titled "Beyond Checklist: Real Safety Look" at the second Lagos International Fire Safety Conference, which will commence on August 12. The conference aims to leverage technology and community engagement to prevent future fire disasters.

Beri pointed out that many building owners fail to adequately prepare for fire emergencies, often unable to answer three critical questions: whether occupants know the evacuation procedures, if installed safety systems will function when needed, and whether those systems have been recently tested. She noted that poor maintenance of safety systems, inadequate testing, and weak leadership commitment contribute to fire safety failures.