Unique Initiative by SDRF at Marwari College; Teaches Disaster Management and Fire Safety Skills to Students and Teachers, Provides Practical Safety Tips Through Mock Drill
Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: A high-level awareness-cum-training camp on disaster management and safety was organized on the premises of Marwari College, a prestigious educational institution and a leading institution of the Anga region in Silk City Bhagalpur. An expert team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) imparted practical training to college students, teachers, and non-teaching staff on handling sudden fires, earthquakes, or other emergency situations. The primary objective of this program was to teach young students how to save their own and others' lives by maintaining composure rather than panicking during any untoward accident or disaster.
Heavy Participation of NCC, NSS, and Students
The special training camp held on the grounds commenced in the morning with the welcoming of the college principal, professors, and the SDRF commandant team.
Widespread Participation: Hundreds of male and female students from various faculties of Marwari College, along with National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Support (NSS) volunteers, participated with immense enthusiasm.
Administrative Perspective: In his address, the college principal stated that in modern times, alongside textbook education, possessing life skills and safety-related knowledge is mandatory for every student. He noted that Marwari College has always been serious about the security of its campuses, and receiving the cooperation of trained agencies like the SDRF is a matter of pride for the college.
Detailed Training on 'Fire Safety' by the SDRF Team
During the training session, experienced SDRF personnel and officers explained every nuance related to fire through both theoretical concepts and practical demonstrations:
Types and Classification of Fire: Experts explained to the students that fire is not of just one kind. The methods to extinguish fires caused by electrical short circuits (Class C), wood and paper (Class A), and flammable liquids like cooking gas or petrol-diesel (Class B) are completely different. Pouring water incorrectly can cause the fire to flare up further.
Use of Fire Extinguishers: The SDRF team demonstrated a live demo of the 'PASS' formula right on the college campus by burning gas cylinders and artificial fire:
P (Pull): Pull the pin.
A (Aim): Aim at the base of the fire.
S (Squeeze): Squeeze the handle.
S (Sweep): Sweep from side to side.
Students stepped forward to operate fire extinguishers themselves and practice controlling fires, significantly boosting their confidence.
Measures for Protection Against Earthquakes and Other Disasters
Apart from fire safety, the SDRF team also discussed precautions to be observed during earthquakes and other natural disasters in detail:
'Drop, Cover and Hold On': Instead of panicking and running as soon as earthquake tremors are felt, students were trained to immediately hide under a sturdy desk or table, cover their heads with their hands, and hold onto the legs of the table firmly.
First Aid: Training on critical points such as administering first aid before taking an injured person to the hospital during a disaster—including stopping bleeding, providing artificial respiration, and using a stretcher—was also imparted to the students.
Experience of Students and Teachers
Students who participated in the camp heaped high praise on this initiative. Several students shared that while they had heard about fire safety in books or on television, today was the first time they got the opportunity to witness firefighting and a live demo right before their eyes. This knowledge will prove extremely useful not only on the college campus but also in their homes and daily lives.
This fire safety and disaster management training camp organized by the SDRF at Marwari College is testament to the fact that educational institutions are no longer limited to academic knowledge alone, but are also fully preparing students to tackle real-life challenges and disasters. Such practical training plays a vital role in building a safe and aware culture within society.
