Assessment of fire safety preparedness among retail businesses in Wandegeya Area-B -Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

Fire safety is a critical aspect of maintaining the security and well-being of individuals within any environment, particularly in retail businesses where large numbers of people gather. This study investigates the level of fire safety preparedness, constraints, actions taken after fire outbreaks, causes of fire outbreaks, and fire safety awareness among employees in retail businesses in Wandegeya.A total of 291 participants were recruited in January and March 2024 and the descriptive cross sectional design strategy used to collect data on their sociodemographic profiles, experiences with fire outbreaks, satisfaction with firefighting responses, presence of fire emergency plans, access to firefighting equipment, and fire safety training. Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze the data and identify trends and patterns within the responses. The study found that a significant proportion of respondents were within the age range of 25-35 years and had been operating their businesses in Wandegeya for 1 to 3 years. Less than half of the participants had experienced a fire outbreak, with the severity of damages reported as majorly severe. The majority of businesses lacked evacuation plans, access to firefighting equipment, and business fire emergency plans. Additionally, respondents expressed low levels of confidence in using firefighting equipment and reported a lack of fire safety training. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved fire safety preparedness measures within retail businesses in Wandegeya. Addressing constraints such as relaxed enforcement by authorities and inadequate access to firefighting equipment is crucial. Moreover, investing in fire safety training programs and raising awareness among employees can enhance their preparedness and response capabilities during fire emergencies. Implementing comprehensive fire safety protocols is essential to mitigate the risks associated with fire outbreaks and safeguard the lives and assets of individuals within retail establishments.