The education department has directed heads of all government-run schools to strictly abide by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) regulations to ensure safety of students.
A circular issued by the Directorate of School EducationKashmir (DSEK) directed the schools authorities that fire prevention and firesafety measures should be part of the initial school design and there should beregular follow-ups for maintenance of the facilities.
“It is enjoined upon allthe heads of schools to follow the safety guidelines and in this regard, ensurethat the instructions are followed in letter and spirit,” the circular reads.
An official said theexisting schools buildings have not been designed as per the NDMA guidelines.He said the authorities should have ensured strict adherence to the guidelinesat the time of construction of the buildings.
He said the design of the existing school buildings cannotbe modified at this juncture while most of the educational institutions do nothave fire extinguishers.
The school heads have alsobeen directed to take all precautionary measures in view of the vulnerabilityof the wooden furniture to fire.
“School fire safety is of critical importance for oneobvious reasons that tens of hundreds of kids are present in school and a fire,irrespective of its size can be very disastrous,” reads the circular.
The DSEK has cautioned that Midday Meals (MDM) kitchens weremore vulnerable owing to presence of LPG cylinders containers and othercombustible materials which can easily start a fire.
“A fire in such a place can easily go out of control andcause large damage within minutes. And even worse, claim the precious lives ofstudents and staff besides loss of property,” the circular reads.
The school heads have been asked to take precautionarymeasures in case of chemistry laboratories which remains a high fire risk zoneowing to large quantities of flammable liquids.
The schools have been asked to isolate flammable andhazardous materials besides clearing exit routes in schools to facilitate safeevacuation of students in case of fire or other emergencies.
“Detection and alarm systems should be installed and in casethese are installed, it should be ensured that these are in working condition.Fire extinguishers should be regularly refilled,” the circular reads.
Thedepartment in 2016 admitted before the High Court that most schools were notequipped with fire extinguishers. The directions to install fire extinguishersin schools were given after 28 school buildings were set on fire by unknownperson in the summer of 2016.
The schools have also been instructed to conduct fire drillsregularly during which the students with specific needs should be assigned anadult or a student to assist them.
“Every student, teacher and other staff in school must beaware of safety precautions and steps to follow in case of fire outbreak,” thecircular reads.