In order to raise awareness about fire safety management and how to save oneself if fire breaks out at crowded places, including commercial establishments, scores of firemen led by Dehradun fire service officer Shiv Prasad Mamgai conducted demonstration on fire safety norms at Pacific Mall in Dehradun on Thursday.
The fire officer dwelt in details on fire safety management while instructing the security guards over what they ought to do as the first responder to incidents of fire. Mamgai also checked the equipments and other safety measures being taken by the Mall.
Along with his team members, the fire officer Mamgai demonstrated in length different kinds of rescue methods in case of fire accidents, ways to put off different kinds of fires, earthquakes to thecustomers of the Mall and security guards who gathered on the occasion.
He demonstrated different kinds of rescue methods through which a person injured in a fire accident could be rescued and moved in a safe manner. He explained that the fire can cause major disaster and loss of lives in buildings such as offices, hotels, shopping centers, hospitals, schools and homes. Such a disaster can be averted if the people adopt proper fire safety norms. “The best prevention is to eliminate fire hazards. If you discover a fire hazard you may report to Fire Control Room or call Toll Free line 101 and 100,” he said.
He said, “We demonstrated how to respond to a fire accident, how people would be evacuated and ways to put off the fire and rescue the injured persons.”
The fire officer further said, “We explained different kinds of fires carbonaceous, oil, electrical and gas fires- and how to put them out using ordinarily available things and then using equipment of the fire department.”
The Mall’s buildings have been made as per national building code of India and other establishments should also follow the same, he said. It is also good that the visitors at Mall took interest in safety measures during demonstration, he added.
Monika, resident of Jakhan, said, “I frequently visit Mall for shopping and it is good that fire service department is raising awareness about how to save oneself during emergency. Normally visitors are not aware of where the exit gates are. Things would be grim when firebreaks out and earthquake occurs. ”
Ramesh Bisht, a college student, echoed the same, saying that the fire department should conduct more such demonstrations from time to time at these places so that the people could be aware about the same.Speaking of the October 26 tremor, he said he was watching a movie in this Mall during the time the tremblor came. “I had seen security officials asking all present to vacate the place,” he added.
Pacific Mall official (operation) Nikhil Bhatia said, “This was the first time such awareness campaign has been organised by the fire service department in the Mall premises. “We have followed the necessary guidelines on fire safety and fire safety equipments have been installed. A fire officer has been appointed and they conduct drill once a month here. We would welcome such demonstrations in the future too.”