Jointly reported by:
Hwang Victoria Jr2S(4)
Rachel Koh Huey Shin Jr3Z(2)
Foo Zhing Yee Sr1ScA
Assisted by:
Khoo Xin Yi Sr1ScA
Photography by:
Kuen Cheng Photography Club
In order to further strengthen fire safety knowledge, improve safety awareness and self-rescue ability, and effectively secure the life safety of teachers and students during emergencies, the Discipline Department held an event regarding fire safety and emergency evacuation drills.
On 16th August, after the first recess, the fire drills rang and reverberated throughout the School. Students and teachers immediately retreated from classroom buildings and trudged toward assigned areas. Around ten minutes later, teachers gathered around whereas students were lined up according to classes at the open-sided car park and red-brick area. Class Monitors were busily taking attendance and conducting roll calls. Prefects were patrolling and with the help of Discipline teachers, the occasion was maintained orderly. At 10.55 a.m, teachers and students left the scene and moved towards the field to attend the brief given by the firefighter crew.
Students aligned at the open-sided car park
The Principal, Dr Chua Lee Lee, gave a speech based on the event. Sincere gratitude was given to every who participated and contributed despite the weariness under the scorching sun. Audiences applauded after she ended her speech.
Principal Madam Chua giving a speech
Next up was a speech given by Encik Azam, a firefighter who was generous enough to attend the event of the day. The speech started with him expressing his happiness to be able to be present at this once-a-year event. After inspecting the fire drill’s process, Encik Azam gave out some parts in which improvements are required. Firstly, he mentioned that he saw an injured student that was being run, pushed and shoved by others due to the urgency. He said that upon seeing an injured student, make sure to help them as well. Next, he reminded everyone to follow the fire escape route, and that all students and teachers should use stairs and not lifts to prevent any unwanted accidents. Lastly, Encik Azam reminded that class teachers must be alert at all times. Class teachers have the responsibility to ensure everyone is on site.
Afterwards, a brief introduction of the tools used by the firefighter team was presented. All tools used by firefighters are red. The first tool introduced is a chainsaw which is used to cut through trees and other thick objects. Next, is an air lifting bag purposed to lift cars. A red colour hose is attached to the back of the truck, and a nozzle is attached to spray water. An oxygen tank is also called a diesel set. Suits that are worn by firefighters have special materials that reduce fire damage.
Next up was a fire extinguishing demonstration. A roaring fire was started by pouring oil into the furnace. Thick black smoke instantly soared up into the air. It was then doused using the P.A.S.S (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) method in the blink of an eye. White dry powder dispersed into the air, resembling snow, clouding the audience’s vision. “Always put out the fire in the wind direction so that the wind will not blow the dry powder right in your face,” emphasised Mr Azam, the firefighter.
Mr Azam demonstrating how to extinguish a fire
A few lucky audiences were fortunate enough to try their hands at extinguishing the fire. One of them was Ching Zhi Feng from Sr2ComG. He found this hands-on experience of extinguishing the fire for the first time fascinating and thanked the School for organising this illuminating event. A 6-year-old kindergarten kid, Raziq Bin Syazral was also chosen for the demonstration.
Ching Zhi Feng extinguishing a fire
6 years old Raziq Bin Syazral extinguishing a fire with the help of a firefighter
At 11:50a.m, the event ended with a group photo session. After this up-close experience, students now know the right way to handle a fire. Many thanks to Balai Bomba Hang Tuah and the Discipline Department for organising this enlightening event.
Group photo