Disaster preparedness and fire safety training: Building awareness for a safer tomorrow
“Safety is not just a priority, it is a responsibility we all share.”

- Ms. Carol Fernandes

On 1st April 2026, a Disaster Preparedness and Fire Safety Training session was held by Mr. Easkki Pandi in the Fr. Bernard Hall at 1:30 p.m. The session was attended by the teachers of the primary and the secondary section. It focused on helping them understand how to deal with fire emergencies. The trainer for the session was Mr. Easkki Pandi, a safety and security professional. He was introduced by Ms. Rochelle, who also mentioned that his son studies in our school.

Mr. Pandi began by explaining what a fire is and the different stages of fire growth. Mr. Easkki spoke about the different types of fires—Class A, B, C, D, and K—and the types of fire extinguishers used for each. He explained that it is very important to use the correct extinguisher for each type of fire. He also discussed common causes of fire in schools, such as during big events like electrical equipment during Annual Day, short circuits, laboratories, and canteen.

Mr. Easkki explained the PASS method used to operate a fire extinguisher. PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. He also showed how to use a fire extinguisher properly. He taught that fire can be put out in three ways—starvation, smothering, and cooling. Mr. Pandi also gave some useful suggestions to improve safety in the school. He said that smoke detectors should be properly numbered and that windows should have openings that can be used during a rescue. He explained the purpose of fire drills, such as ensuring safety, reducing panic, checking exit routes, identifying problems, improving communication, and helping everyone work together better. He also said that fire drills should be conducted at least twice a year.

After the session in the hall, the teachers were taken to the quadrangle for a live demonstration. They learned how to use a fire extinguisher and also got a chance to put out a fire. Two school peons demonstrated how to use a fire hose during a fire. Through this session, the teachers learned how to stay calm, act quickly, and use safety equipment properly during emergencies. The training helped them feel more confident and prepared.

Sharing her feedback on the session, Ms. Jui shared, “This drill has helped us follow a proper order during evacuation while keeping in mind our safety and the safety of the children. The hands-on experience with the fire extinguisher has also helped us gain confidence to operate it even in an actual situation.”