The Department of Gender, Youth, Sports and Social Services, together with St John’s Ambulance and Kenya Red Cross conducted a mock fire drill at St John De-La-Salle Kiandu Secondary, Nyeri County.
The exercise was meant to sensitise students and teachers of Kiandu Secondary, Kiandu Primary and Kiandu Baptist Academy on enhancing safety awareness among students and staff.
It was also intended to familiarise everyone with emergency procedures and ensure a swift, orderly response in the event of a fire outbreak.
Speaking at the School, St John De-La- Salle Kiandu Secondary School Principal George Njoroge thanked the County Government of Nyeri, St John Ambulance and Kenya Red Cross Society for holding a fire drill in the school.
A Kenya Red Cross representative and a trainer George Wachania underscored the importance of regular drills and ongoing education in fostering a culture of safety within the school community.
The drill began with a simulation of the arrival of the fire engine where the fire alarm was activated, prompting a simulated evacuation. Students and staff efficiently exited the buildings, following designated escape routes to predetermined assembly points.
The drill was conducted in an orderly manner, emphasising silence to facilitate head counts and communication.
Students learned about the importance of fire safety, potential fire hazards, and the steps to be taken during an emergency.
Key topics included identifying exits, using fire extinguishers, and the importance of remaining calm.
Among recommendations proffered to other institutions is the installation of Fire Equipment, to ensure that adequate fire extinguishers and other fire-fighting equipment are available and easily accessible throughout the school.
Also emergency exit signage should be clearly marked in bold letters to facilitate quick and safe evacuation during an emergency and conduct fire drills regularly to keep the community prepared and familiar with emergency procedures and management to address poor building design.
By Beth Ndirangu
