Should Odisha Governor Recommend Preventive Fire Audits in Higher Education Institutions?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Preventive fire audits are essential to enhance safety in educational institutions.
- Such audits help in identifying potential hazards in advance.
- Modern equipment like Robotic Monitors is crucial for effective fire response.
- Odisha is leading with innovative fire safety initiatives.
- Proactive measures can significantly reduce risks in emergencies.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 3 (NationPress) Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati has called upon the Fire and Emergency Services Department to carry out preventive fire audits across all institutions within the Higher Education Department, particularly targeting those with large auditoriums.
These comments were made during a comprehensive presentation on Disaster Preparedness and Response at the conference hall of Raj Bhavan.
The presentation provided insights into the department’s equipment, personnel, training initiatives, and future strategies.
During the session, the Governor underscored the significance of preventive fire audits in educational settings, asserting that such evaluations are crucial for recognizing potential dangers and facilitating timely corrective actions.
“By addressing these risks proactively, we can ensure safer evacuation paths, diminish the chances of injuries or fatalities, limit property damage, and bolster overall emergency readiness, fostering a culture of safety among educators and students,” highlighted Governor Kambhampati.
The officials from the Fire Services department showcased their advanced equipment, including Robotic Monitors, Advanced Rescue Tenders, Incident Command Vehicles, Hydraulic Platforms, and more.
The Governor also inquired about the progress on acquiring additional equipment and future upgrade plans, including insights on the National Water Rescue and Watermanship Centre located at Ramchandi, Puri.
Governor Kambhampati was made aware of the deployment of the K-9 Squad, which positions Odisha as the first state in India to establish such a unit.
Commending the department's effectiveness, he praised initiatives like the fully online fire licensing processes, collaboration with third-party agencies, and Odisha's comprehensive disaster preparedness, recognizing the state as a model for others.
Furthermore, the Governor visited the Command Vehicle and examined its cutting-edge features.
Present during the presentation were DG Fire Services, Home Guard and Director of Civil Defense Sudhanshu Sarangi, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Governor Roopa Roshan Sahoo, DIG of Fire & Emergency Services & Home Guards Dr. Umashankar Dash, along with senior officials from the Fire Services Department.