Businesses urged to make evacuation plans

Acting sergeant assigned to the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) Fire Prevention Unit in St Elizabeth, Dwight Campbell, is urging businesses and communities to create evacuation plans to help protect lives in the event of fires.

The JFB carried out several fire drills in Black River, Junction and Santa Cruz among other areas across the parish during Fire and Life Safety Awareness Week between October 24 and 30. In addition, there were daily face-to-face and virtual public sensitisation sessions on best practices to keep workplaces, homes, and farms safe from fires. Campbell told JIS News that drills were necessary to approve and reinforce fire safety standards.

"For some of the entities, we recognised that there is not necessarily a fire alarm system. What we found happening also is that staff members are not trained in the fire safety protocols and the steps to be followed in the event of an emergency," Campbell explained. "So many persons are losing their lives and are losing their homes. We are saying to you from the JFB, ensure you protect yourself, protect your families and one of the easiest ways to do that is to create an evacuation plan."

Campbell noted that installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are also key components in fire safety.

"The JFB is always ready to assist any agency or group that calls on us. We offer training whether it is going to be free or a certified training. So you can reach out to the fire department. You can call or write to us and once you do that, we will act upon the invitation and ensure that your staff is trained," he said.

Campbell also said that the JFB will continue to spread fire and life safety awareness and "we asked the citizens out there to join us in sharing the message."