Mock drill catches officials off guard

 

Smoke billowed out of the second floor of the high security building at 12.30 pm and the fire alarm went off in seconds as planned. However, the primary task of “evacuating” people turned out to be difficult with the entrance getting clogged because the grill doors were only half opened.

 

“The exercise was meant to test preparedness in the event of a fire breaking out due to short circuit. The goal was to analyse the shortcomings and take corrective actions,” said Additional District Magistrate B Ramachandran.

 

The disaster management wing quickly passed on the rescue alerts to Fire Force and hospital authorities. However, the later responded that no ambulance was available then. Fire force officials who rushed to the ‘scene’ too faced unexpected hurdles. The illegal parking of vehicles in the collectorate premises blocked the fire engine and the fire personnel were forced to run to the ‘spot’ holding the hose.

 

“The water when sprayed didn’t reach the second floor of the building. However, another group managed to reach the ‘spot’ with chemicals to control the flames from spreading. The personnel also shifted those who became ‘unconscious’ due to the billowing smoke. The ‘injured’ were seen being evacuated using ropes.

 

Finally the fire alarm stopped after half an hour into the ‘fire mishap’. The employees of all departments were asked to assemble at the ground and their head count taken to ensure that no one was “trapped” in the building.