Hyderabad: The Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency Services and Civil Defence Department organised a school fire safety awareness programme for school managements in Hyderabad. The event took place at Ravindra Bharathi in collaboration with Basic Elements.
Director General Vikram Singh Mann, IPS, inaugurated the programme. Basic Elements Managing Director Prasad Nishthala attended the event. More than 500 school owners, correspondents, principals and senior administrators from across Telangana participated.
The Director General said fire safety was not merely a legal requirement. According to him, it is also a moral responsibility for every educational institution entrusted with children’s safety. He urged school managements to conduct regular inspections. They should also maintain fire protection systems, organise mock drills and create continuous awareness among students and staff.
School fire safety measures highlighted for educational institutions
The Director General presented case studies of major fire accidents at schools and student hostels across the country. According to him, negligence, inadequate fire protection and poor emergency preparedness had resulted in the loss of young lives. He stressed the importance of prevention, preparedness and strict compliance with fire safety norms.
Further, officials explained the legal framework governing fire safety in schools. They also outlined provisions of the Telangana Fire Services Act, 1999. In addition, the speakers explained Supreme Court directions on school safety and measures taken by the State Government.
Participants received guidance on common deficiencies identified during inspections and ways to rectify them. They also learnt about emergency evacuation procedures and maintenance of fire protection systems. The session highlighted the responsibilities of school managements in ensuring a safe learning environment.
Meanwhile, the programme placed special emphasis on fire safety in school hostels following recent fatal fire incidents across the country. Officials advised managements to maintain functional fire detection and alarm systems. They also called for clear emergency exits, safe electrical installations, regular fire drills and proper supervision of hostel students.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to working with educational institutions. It said it would continue promoting fire safety awareness, disaster preparedness and a culture of accident prevention across Telangana.