Fire Disaster Emergency Preparedness of Selected Markets in South-south Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: The study assessed fire disaster emergency preparedness of selected markets in South-South Nigeria Methodology: The study adopted survey research design and questionnaire for data collection among shop owner/space occupant across major markets in Rivers, Bayelsa and Cross-Rivers States. 384 respondents in form of shop/space occupants and owners in various markets were selected. The research hypothesis was analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Results: There were disagreement about market carrying out fire hazard and risk assessment (76.6%), conducting vulnerability assessment towards fire hazard causal agents (71.9%), response unit are well-equipped for their activities (64.3%), space occupants are drill towards fire hazard response (62.5%) and generally prepared towards fire disaster (72.1%). The factors limiting the practice of fire disaster preparedness were literacy level (24.7%), lack of resources (20.8%), reliance on market association (16.7%) and religious believe (16.4%). Majority of respondents indicated that the way forward is through involvement of other agencies (37.5%) and public enlightenment (27.3%). Preparedness practices such as “vulnerability assessment to identify causes of fire disaster and emergency response unit that respond to fire disaster”, showed moderate correlation and significant (where r = 0.420, 0.394, and p = 0.000, 0.000) to fire outbreak in the market. Practice such as “emergency response unit uses the necessary equipment to contain fire outbreak from causing havoc, market engaged shop owners in preparedness practices”, showed weak correlation and significant (where r = 0.394, 0.297, 0.250, 0.172, 0.158 and p = 0.000, 0.000) while “information about fire disaster is communicated to marketers” showed no correlation and not significant (where r = -0.057 and p= 0.262). Conclusion: there are limited fire disaster preparedness activities across the markets places; hence, the need for collaboration among stakeholders to review various rules and regulation guiding the establishment of market places.