Learning from losses: Failures in fire safety and what schools must do

The tragic fire at Hillside Academy has once again made it clear that fire protection and safety must be the top priority for educational institutions.

This heartbreaking event is a grim reminder of the many devastating school fires that have occurred across Kenya in the past.

On behalf of Guardnow Security Group (K) Ltd, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the parents who lost their beloved children and to all of us as a nation for we have lost a part of our future. As adults of today, we must remember that we are only the custodians of this land that we have borrowed from our children.

We should bear the burden of protecting them with our lives. This tragedy is indescribable – it requires more than just prayers. We are speechless and overwhelmed by deep trauma. The pain we feel is shared by all and cuts deep into our hearts.

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Learning from the past: Important events and their lessons

The devastating fire at Hillside Academy is reminiscent of several tragic incidents in Kenya's past that exposed significant deficiencies in fire safety protocols in schools. In 1999, the fire at Nyeri High School claimed numerous lives, as did the fire at Moi Girls School.

These incidents revealed serious weaknesses in security systems, including inadequate fire alarms, poor emergency planning and the lack of regular evacuation drills.

These critical areas have not yet been fully addressed in the country's schools, and the consequences are devastating. To avoid future tragedies, it is imperative that educational institutions learn from past mistakes and implement stringent fire safety measures without delay.

A series of fires at secondary schools in 2016 also highlighted the ongoing risks. These incidents showed that many schools were not adequately prepared for emergencies.

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Fire alarms were often outdated, staff lacked adequate fire safety training and there was a worrying lack of coordination with local emergency services.

This pattern of negligence is alarming and requires an urgent reassessment of fire safety standards in educational institutions. Regular updates to fire safety protocols, as well as adequate training for staff and students, must be a priority to ensure schools can respond effectively in the event of an emergency.

Implementation of effective security measures

Following the fire at Hillside Academy, it is clear that we must take immediate action to improve safety and fire prevention in schools. There are several measures that can significantly reduce the risk of such tragedies in the future:

Modernization of fire alarm systems: One of the most important investments schools can make is in modern, reliable fire alarm systems. These should include both audible and visual indicators to ensure that everyone is immediately alerted in the event of a fire.

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In addition, these systems must be tested and maintained regularly to ensure they are working properly. By working with professional security companies that provide emergency alarm services, schools can improve their ability to respond quickly and efficiently to any fire emergency.

Emergency plans: It is essential for schools to develop comprehensive emergency plans and continually update them. These plans should describe clear evacuation procedures, designate specific assembly points, and assign roles for staff and students in the event of an emergency.

Regular drills must be conducted to familiarize everyone with these procedures. This will ensure that students and staff can act quickly and safely in the event of a crisis.

Hiring professional security companies: By engaging professional security companies, schools can gain valuable expertise in developing and implementing effective security protocols.

These companies can carry out detailed risk assessments, offer tailored security solutions and provide ongoing training for school staff.

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Their role goes beyond mere fire prevention; they can help create a safe environment where schools are prepared for a variety of emergencies. In the event of a fire, their guidance can be crucial in limiting damage and saving lives.

Training of employees and students: A key element of fire safety is ensuring that everyone in the school is well prepared for an emergency.

Regular training sessions: They should be held for both staff and students to cover important fire safety protocols, including proper use of fire extinguishers, recognizing and responding to alarm signals, and knowing designated evacuation routes.

These drills are not just formalities; they can mean the difference between life and death in the event of a fire. Equipping everyone with the skills and knowledge needed to deal with an emergency can significantly reduce the risk of injury and death.

Maintenance and safety checks: Ongoing maintenance and safety checks are crucial to prevent fire disasters. Schools should establish a routine plan for checking their fire safety equipment and overall infrastructure.

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These inspections should focus on identifying potential safety hazards, such as faulty alarm systems, blocked emergency exits, or improperly stored flammable materials.

By taking a proactive approach and addressing these issues early, schools can significantly minimize the risk of fires and other emergencies.

Diploma

The tragic fire at Hillside Academy is a stark reminder of the importance of implementing and maintaining strong fire and safety measures in schools. We cannot afford to ignore the lessons of the past.

By taking proactive steps to improve fire alarm systems, develop comprehensive emergency plans, engage professional security services, ensure thorough training of staff and students, and conduct regular maintenance and safety inspections, we can create a safer learning environment for our children.

Given the tragedy of this incident, we should commit to making the necessary changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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Our children are our greatest treasure and we owe it to them to provide a safe place for them to learn and grow. As a nation, let us put the safety of our children first.

The author is Dr. Peter Mwangi, CEO of Guardnow Security Group (K) Ltd www.guardnow.co.ke

The views expressed here are those of the author and in no way reflect the position of TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke