By Keziah G. Huelar
Centralians practicing how to exit the High School Building in case of a fire emergency.
Promoting the safety and security of its faculty, staff, and students, Central Philippine University held a fire drill in the CPU campus, specifically at Lopez Hall and High School Building, on February 27, 2019.
During the simulation, students and faculty were observed and rated on how they would reacted to a fire emergency. The Iloilo Bureau of Fire also held a briefing involving the security and safety personnel of CPU. They reminded the CPU personnel to always update their knowledge and skills on the basic responses during fire and rescue operations in order ensure the safety of people in the buildings.
Objectives of the fire drill included: to give the faculty, staff, and students an opportunity to practice emergency procedures in a simulated but safe environment; to determine whether the CPU community can understand and can carry out emergency duties; to evaluate the effectiveness of the evacuation procedures; and to comply with the requirements of the Bureau of Fire Protection.
The simulation also included first aid responses in case of injury.
What to do in case of or discovery of FIRE?
Remember ARM:
- A – Announce the exact location of the fire, “SHOUT “FIRE” AND ITS EXACT LOCATION”.
Alarm the sound system, fire alarm, bell or any distinctive sound which everyone will know there is fire.
Alert everyone by calling/informing the people around (CPU Fire Brigade). Immediately call the BFP.
- R – React – have presence of mind/know what to do in a systematic manner.
Respond – do your tasks and responsibilities/ do not run but act quickly.
Remove – evacuate or remove any victim quickly.
Report – report all information you know: the victims, etc., as you leave the place, do the head count—who is missing, who was injured, etc.
- Management – proper management of students or all evacuees from classrooms.
The university fire drill is one of CPU’s safety measure in order to promote safety and preparation in case of a fire emergency.
The CPU Fire Brigade Organization is headed by the Fire Chief, Vice President Florence Bogacia, during office hours and Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard Gico, during non-office hours. The Assistant Fire Chief is Mr. Jonathan Tumalay. The following are the teams and team leaders under the Fire Chief: Communication and Media Relations – Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on; Evacuation – Pastor James Peter Transporto; Medical/First Aid – Mr. Jojee Roy Juarez; Search and Rescue – Prim Vergara III; Security and Traffic – Mr. Jonathan Tumalay; Fire Fighting Team – Engr. Rhett Allan Baldonado.