By Palma Ileye
Federal Fire Service (FFS), FCT Command, has urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory to take necessary precautions against flooding as rainfall intensifies across the territory.
The Controller of the Command, Muhammed Anas, gave the warning in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, noting that the heavy and persistent rains required heightened vigilance, particularly in low-lying areas, riverbanks and communities with inadequate drainage systems.
Anas said human activities often contribute to the severity of flooding, stressing that protecting lives and property was a shared responsibility between residents and relevant authorities.
He urged residents to stop dumping refuse in drains, gutters, canals and waterways, as well as building on floodplains, waterways and drainage channels.
The FFS Controller also warned against blocking drainage systems with structures, kiosks and shops, indiscriminate sand dredging and excavation near rivers and streams, and constructing buildings without approved plans or adequate drainage provisions.
He further advised residents to regularly clear drains and their surroundings of refuse and debris, avoid settling in flood-prone and low-lying areas, and monitor weather forecasts and flood alerts issued by relevant authorities.
Anas cautioned residents against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges, streams or rivers, either on foot or in vehicles, while parents were urged to keep children away from floodwaters, drains, rivers and open culverts.
He also advised residents in flooded areas to switch off electrical appliances and avoid contact with electrical installations urging them to keep emergency contact numbers readily available.
According to him, residents caught in flooding should remain calm and move immediately to higher ground or another safe location, while valuables, important documents and essential supplies should be moved to higher levels where possible.
He added that children, elderly persons and persons with disabilities should be prioritised during evacuation, while residents should avoid drinking or using floodwater because it may be contaminated.
The Controller urged residents to contact the Federal Fire Service or other emergency responders whenever they require assistance and warned them not to return to evacuated areas until they had been declared safe by the relevant authorities.
Anas reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Command of the Federal Fire Service to responding swiftly to emergencies and protecting lives and property across the territory.
He appealed to residents to cooperate with emergency responders, obey safety instructions and promptly report flood incidents and other emergencies to the appropriate authorities.
The Federal Fire Service emergency contact number is 0803 200 3557.
