‘Fire’ and evacuation causes stir at Curtin Sarawak

Miri – 19 October, 2009 – A mid-afternoon ‘fire’ at Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak)’s GP401 Building housing its School of Engineering & Science and Student Services Office recently had students and staff scurrying to the safety of designated evacuation assembly points as emergency alarms sounded and fire wardens with loud hailers called for an orderly evacuation.

The din and the sight of the university’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) and members of its Red Crescent detachment working feverishly to evacuate staff and students from the building brought the campus to a virtual standstill as everyone waited anxiously to find out what had transpired. Within minutes, the ERT and Red Crescent volunteers could be seen evacuating ‘casualties’ from the building.

Tense and hazardous as the situation might have seemed, the scenario was fortunately just an evacuation drill carried out by the university’s Red Crescent detachment (Voluntary Aid Detachment – 57) and ERT comprising its security personnel and Campus Health Officer.

According to organising chairperson and Curtin Sarawak Red Crescent member Chin Pin Rui, the drill was held to test the readiness of Curtin Sarawak’s staff and students in the event of an emergency. It was also part of the ongoing training activities of the Disaster Management Committee of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, Miri Chapter, and the VAD-57.

He added that the drill was designed to be as realistic as possible to accurately assess the university community’s level of preparedness. It was also meant to enhance awareness of fire hazards and emergency procedures, and foster teamwork amongst students and staff.

Giving all the participants the thumbs up for their support and cooperation, he said, “Everything went largely according to plan. Everyone played their part and the evacuation was very orderly and swift. It was completed in under an hour with minimum inconvenience to students and staff.”

One participant, senior lecturer Dr. Tang Fu Ee also had high praise for those involved. He said he was very impressed with the speed and efficiency of the drill and the support given by everyone, and obviously a lot of planning had gone into it.

“It was a really worthwhile exercise as many in the university community are yet to be familiar with our procedures for evacuations during emergencies. I look forward to more exercises like this as they not only help enhance our readiness in emergency situations, but also raise awareness of the dangers posed by fires. Kudos to our students and staff for organising it,” he added.

According to Curtin Sarawak’s Chief Operating Officer, James Ng, the university places a high priority on the safety of its staff and students and has comprehensive emergency response procedures for various types of emergency situations. “We practice the highest standards of safety and security. The university community can rest assured that its safety and security is one of our uppermost concerns,” he said.

Emergency response team and Curtin Red Crescent members assess

the situation.

Rushing to clear the building and evacuate any casualties.

Curtin Red Crescent volunteers tending to a ‘victim’.

Staff and students heading to assembly point.

Fire wardens taking roll call of evacuees.

A ‘burn victim’ being helped to his feet.