A Joint Community Safety Awareness program had been rolled out in 10 selected villagers by four Government organisations out between April–September this year.

Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (SFESA) was joined by the Ministry of Police Prisons and Correction Services, SAmoa Meteorology Services, and the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) to carry out the awareness campaign on community safety.

The aim of the awareness was to increase understanding on necessary action that should be taken during disasters which the training modules target. These include fire safety awareness; preparedness before, during and after a natural disaster; search and rescue; basic first aid; and evacuation and shelter management.

Prior delivering the modules, partners were given the opportunity to present on their delegated roles and responsibilities with regards to safety promotion. 

At the end of every program, villages were gifted with safety and rescue equipment which included fire extinguishers, rescue ropes, hard hats, torches, megaphones and chainsaws. They were also awarded certificates for the completion of the modules.

The Mayor of Manono Vaipae Vaipae and Tuua ‘Au’apa’au Tofa acknowledged the assistance in terms of assisting with first-hand safety precautions when accidents happen. 

Similar sentiments were shared by Tuumatavai Tagi of Matavai Safune, and Fuiono Tenina Crichton of Falealupo on these rare opportunities to share knowledge, skills and abilities while prioritising safety in times of trouble.

The villages where the awareness were done between April and September this year included Fagaloa (Sauano and Saletele), Manono (Faleu, Lepuia’i, Salua and Apai) and Savai'i (Fagafau, Falealupo, Faletagaloa and Matavai Safune).