BANGKOK, 22 January 2014 The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) is preparing measures to stave off fire, water and road accidents during Chinese New Year celebrations across the country.
As Chinese New Year is approaching late this month, Director-General of the DDPM Chatchai Promlert stated that coordination was being made with DDPM offices nationwide as well as relevant agencies in order to intensify disaster preventive measures. All local administrative organizations have been instructed to increase measures against fire accidents and survey risk-prone spots in their respective areas, especially festival grounds, local communities and Chinese shrines.
People celebrating the special occasion will be encouraged to exercise caution when burning joss paper, candles and incense sticks and playing with firecrackers and fireworks.
Provinces that are located by the water or have marine tourist attractions are to send officials to ensure safety at boat piers and along water transport routes.
As preventive measures against road accidents, checkpoints will be set up in dangerous areas while adequate personnel will be deployed to provide convenience for commuters. Medical units will also be on standby, with medical apparatus and equipment ready for use in rescue operations.
