Fire Disaster Preparedness and First Aid to Fire Burn Victims: A Case of Primary Schools in Morogoro Municipal and Mvomero District, Tanzania

Abstract

The rising number of fire incidents, resulting in injuries and fatalities, has raised public concern regarding fire outbreaks in schools. This study aimed to evaluate the level of fire disaster preparedness among primary school students at Morogoro municipal and Mvomero district. The research methodology is based on an empirical quantitative approach, using surveys as data collection instruments. The survey employed structured questionnaires consisting of closed-ended questions to elicit responses from pupils and to gain insights into their awareness, knowledge and attitude. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The findings revealed that majority of respondents, 287(73.8%), were aware that fire accidents can occur within the school premises. Furthermore, 290(74.6%) acknowledged that fire outbreaks can cause damage to properties, including homes, schools, and marketplaces. Interestingly, a majority of participants, 322(82.5%), expressed a belief that they have limited ability to prevent fire incidents due to the absence of fire training in schools. The study concludes that while a majority of respondents, 316 individuals (81.2%), understand the adverse impact of wildfires on the environment, the local community remains a source of environmental destruction. The study findings emphasize the strong recommendation for prioritizing public education on fire prevention, emphasizing its significant importance. It is crucial to integrate fire prevention education into the school curriculum as a proactive measure. It is essential to provide training to the school community, including both students and parents, on the appropriate actions to take in the event of a fire outbreak. The training should cover specific steps tailored to different types of fires, ensuring preparedness and safety measures are in place.