A fire can occur at any place
even if there are systems in place such as smoke alarms and water sprinklers.
Should this happen in the school, where people are working in, it will be a
good idea to review the emergency preparation plans.
The fire emergency preparation
plan involves two things. These are namely information and delegation. The
first thing the individual should do is read the manual and note where the
nearest exits are. This is usually posted in each classroom with lighted
signage’s showing the way.
This matter should also be
discussed with fellow faculty and staff if certain improvements can be
suggested. It is only after a well thought of plan is made that this should be
explained to the students.
The sad part is there will be
some people who will not take the matter seriously. This should be firmly
stressed because this could mean a matter of life or death to everyone when
this happens. .
There may be fire drills
conducted once a year but these are not done on a regular basis. This means
that many will panic when the real thing happens so preparedness is something
that should not be taken lightly.
Delegation depends on who first
noticed the fire until the evacuation has been done. If there is smoke coming
out of one room, the individual should not open the door because oxygen will
just make the fire stronger causing a back draft and a possible explosion.
The individual should immediately
call 911 (USA) or 999 (Malaysia) and pull the fire switch so that the teachers
and the students are alerted of the danger. Some classes may order everyone to
form a line in the back then proceed out slowly to safety by moving to the
nearest fire exit.
There are fire extinguishers
usually situated along the hallways or in the classrooms. These can be used to
handle small fires but should not be used to handle bigger ones because there
is not enough to kill the blaze. The person should not try to be a hero but
rather help get other people out.
There will usually be a lot of
smoke making it difficult to see what is in front. To avoid suffocating, it
will be a good idea to put something to cover the face and then use the sense
of touch to get the feel of what is in front.
Elevators should never been used
in the event of a fire. The power could short out keeping the person trapped
inside and even cause death due to smoke inhalation. All personnel should use
the stairs since this is the fastest way to get out.
Should someone be caught on fire,
the individual should help by putting a heavy blanket to put out the flames. If
this should happen to the person, the right thing to do would be to stop, drop
and roll.
The last part of any fire
preparation plan is the assembly point where everyone in the class should meet
so everyone can be accounted for. Everyone should stay put until someone with
higher authority issues the order that it is safe to go back inside. Everyone
should be well aware of the fire emergency preparation plan since this is the
only way to get out of a dangerous situation.
