ST. CATHERINE PARISH COUNCIL SIMULATED FIRE DRILL HELD THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016
The month of January is observed as Earthquake Awareness Month and as customary, the St. Catherine Parish Council’s Disaster Preparedness Unit is on par with activities and exercises to ensure everyone is in preparation mode. To this end, a Fire Drill was mysteriously conducted and was observed by members of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (Fire Prevention Division).
A number of observations, positives and negatives were noted by the Fire representation and of course recommendations made.
Three negative observations:
The evacuation of all occupants was not done in a timely manner and employees were seen carrying out normal work duties, while the drill was in progress
The fire drill did not conclude, due to the fact that, not everyone participated
The alternate exits were not safe ( the stairs did not extend to the ground level), and so the evacuation process was hampered because persons were afraid to use them
Three positive observations:
The designated Safety Monitors were easily identified
A search and rescue was carried out
The chosen assembly point was adequate
Three recommendations:
Ensure that all occupants of the building evacuate briskly and in an orderly manner and proceed to the assembly area when the alarm sounds
Provide and install suitable alternate exits, so that persons can evacuate safely to the assembly point
Ensure that all members of staff are trained, so that in the event of an emergency, they will be able to respond effectively and without delay
Despite the feedback and criticisms from the both the Disaster Unit and chiefly the Fire Brigade, the drill was acknowledged as useful, timely and beneficial to all the parties involved.
The Disaster Coordinator expresses thanks to Safety Monitors and members of staff who participated.
The Jamaica Fire Brigade also commends the management of the St. Catherine Parish Council for its efforts.
EARTHQUAKE AWARENESS MONTH 2016 – JANUARY 1 – 30, 2016
“Earthquake Safety: Don’t be Scared…Be Prepared”