Vol. 2012 No. 1 (2012)
Community-Based Fire Prevention Campaigns in Nigerian Cities: An Effectiveness Assessment on Casualties Reduction and Adoption Rates of Fire Safety Practices
Abstract
Fire-related incidents are a significant public health concern in Nigerian cities, particularly affecting vulnerable communities. Despite efforts by government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), fire prevention campaigns have not been uniformly effective. The research employed a mixed-methods approach involving surveys, interviews, and observational studies. Data was collected over a one-year period and analysed using statistical software to assess campaign impact on both casualty reduction and practice adoption. In the surveyed communities, there was a notable increase in reported fire safety practices (85% of respondents adopted at least one recommended practice) following the campaigns, with lower casualties recorded among intervention groups compared to non-intervention areas (p < 0.05). The effectiveness of community-based fire prevention campaigns in reducing residential fires and increasing adoption rates of safety practices is evident, though variations exist based on campaign implementation quality. Communities should be involved more actively in the planning and execution of fire prevention campaigns to ensure sustainability and efficacy. Further research should explore long-term impacts and broader applicability across different Nigerian cities.
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