THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE FIRE which occurred at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland, is a timely reminder to the critics of fire drills.
Too many times during fire drill exercises at some hotels and schools, the firefighters are seen as disrupting the normal activities of the day. I am also appalled at the attitude of some teachers who have the responsibility of ensuring the safety of children in their charge.
Oftentimes they participate in the exercise half-heartedly and without any sense of urgency.
Since 1995, Fire Safety and Awareness Week became a calendar event for the Jamaica Fire Brigade. This is celebrated the last week of October each year under various themes.
Fire drills, lectures and demonstrations are regular activities carried out by the Fire Prevention Division in schools, other institutions and at community meetings. However, these activities are greatly compromised because of the underfunding of the Fire Service by the Government.
The fire at CASE is a wake-up call for all boarding institutions and hotels. Let us remember that the fire drill is the great escape.
I am, etc.,
MORINE THOMPSON
tamobig@yahoo.com
Deputy Superintendent
Lucea Fire Station
Hanover
