The Ashanti Regional Fire Command in collaboration with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) embarked on a simulation exercise to ascertain the level of preparedness of institutions in the event of a fire outbreak.
The unannounced simulation exercise saw SSNIT workers evacuate the edifice swiftly following the sound of the alarm.
Speaking to Citinews, the Ashanti Regional Fire Commander, ACFO 1 Henry Giwah stated that although fire outbreak in the region is currently on the low, there is the need to prepare institutions.
He cited the possible terrorist attacks in Ghana as another reason for the exercise.Â
Institutions’ preparedness, he said, will help reduce the number of casualties.
“When we wake up, we hear terrorists left and right. So, if we also don’t get ready for them, it will take us unaware. So we need to make sure we are ready. The security will try to prevent it but should it happen, can we also respond to it?”
He therefore urged other institutions to carry out such exercise.
“So everybody should make sure they do some of these things so if it happens in your building, you can also be safe.”
On his part, Adum Branch Manager for SSNIT, John Boateng, lauded the Regional Fire Service Command for initiative.
According to him, the officers were swift and professional.
“We expected them to do a professional work and to be frank with you, I really appreciate the way they conducted themselves. The time we called them, they were here within minutes.”
He indicated that the simulation also showed how protected the edifice is as all firearm equipment triggered.
In the early part of the year, more fire incidents were being recorded in the Ashanti Region.
The Ashanti Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service said in January, 260 cases were recorded.
Adum within the Central business district of Kumasi is among the many areas that was affected by a fire outbreak.
The fire destroyed a shop with items estimated at around millions of Ghana cedis.
ACFO 1 Henry Giwah blamed most of these fire incidents on negligence by residents.
Source: The Independent Ghana