Community based
Residential Firefighting Strategy: A Case Study of Malang City
Heru Sufianto
Disaster Advances; Vol. 16(12); 55-61;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/1612da055061; (2023)
Abstract
Fires that occur in residential areas have a negative impact on the community, from
both social and economic perspectives. In urban areas, where the high density of
buildings and people is evenly distributed, the chances of loss of life and property
are considerably high. Those changes are even higher in residential areas or villages
located far from fire brigade access. The occupants should not wait for the assistance
of the city fire brigade but should act to terminate the flame themselves to save
their properties and lives.
This study aimed to determine the awareness of fire safety measures in residential
areas and fire safety behavior and the capability of residents to independently
extinguish fires. A total of 122 participants participated in filling out an online
questionnaire to find answers to possible strategies for handling fires in residential
areas. Statistical analysis was carried out to see behavioral trends and some of
the potential in the community to prevent fires in residential areas. This study
discovered that the availability of water is mostly preferred for fighting fires
in residential areas, that there is a lack of awareness of electrical as the primary
source of fires and that a level of disbelief in the society’s ability to fight
fires on their own. This study includes both individual and communal self-extinguishing
strategies.
