Disaster security and firefighting will be on the agenda of the Executive Yuan's next public security meeting, when mutual cooperation systems can be coordinated, Premier Sean Chen said today at the 2012 Phoenix Awards presentation ceremony.
The premier will lead the meeting, and he expressed hope that local government heads will personally preside over their own public security meetings to underscore the government's concern for fire prevention, life safety and property protection.
The recent accidents in Hsinchu and Tainan indicate the need to examine and improve the procedures for putting out fires in narrow alleyways, the premier stated. This is very important to safeguarding the lives of both residents and firefighters, he said.
Data collection is also very important, as once the location of a disaster is known, rescuers should deploy vehicles and equipment appropriate to that environment, the premier added. For example, a large vehicle would hinder firefighting in a narrow alleyway rather than help it.
Taiwan averaged over 10,000 fire accidents per year at the turn of the millennium, but it saw only around 1,600 cases in 2012 thanks to increased safety precautions and public awareness campaigns, noted Premier Chen. "Everyday efforts to fight fires and protect lives and property will not go unnoticed," he remarked.
The Phoenix Awards, which recognize excellent professional and volunteer firefighters and fire prevention advocates, were held on the eve of National Firefighting Day, which is January 19 because 119 is Taiwan's emergency telephone number. A total of 69 attendees received awards presented by Premier Chen.