Rrrrrrrrrrrrnnng! There’s a fire! There’s a fire! The fire alarm was real! But the supposed-to-be scream about the fire was not really heard. Knowing that it was only a Fire Drill and there’s a fire and evacuation simulation that afternoon makes us adamant to inform everybody about the fire. It was my first time to be involved in an Evacuation Drill though I already experienced the usual Fire Drill. I was pre-chosen and agreed to be a member of Fire Brigade Team in our company. It is not as easy as I thought. For a start, we attended the “Fire Safety, Fire Fighting, and Fire & Earthquake Evacuation Training” last Friday which was conducted by Quezon City Bureau of Fire Department. We were given the basic information about the nature of fire, its composition, its different sources, and appropriate fire extinguisher to be used according to the source of fire. As for Evacuation part, there’s a demonstration on how to evacuate injured victims on different scenario and some tips on how to treat the injured person (which is actually part of First Aid Team responsibility.)

 At the start of Fire Drill, the fire alarm was activated. Each member of the Fire and Evacuation team responded according to their responsibility. The communication team, inquire with the person who monitors the building activities through the controller board about the fire location. The communication team, fire brigade team, and search & rescue team convened. Upon learning the location of the fire, the Fire Brigade Team, carrying the Fire Extinguisher, went to 3^rd floor of the building to suppress the fire. Members of the Evacuation Team lead the employees to the fire exit going out from the building. The Search and Rescue Team went to each room, checking the cabinets, comfort rooms, and all areas of the place if there were still persons in the area. The communication team remained in its assigned floor to communicate with the First Aiders if there were some victims that needs prompt assistance. The Search and Rescue Team lead or carried the victim going out of the building. As part of the activity, some employees pretended to be injured and victims of the fire. Some of them were found by the Search and Rescue team, asked the Communication Team to call for First Aiders, and guided by Evacuation Team into safety. The activity is only a simulation of real fire happening but, still, it is tiring and exhausting.

 The experience does not end there. After the drill, the employees went back to their respective work area while the Fire Brigade Team remains outside. We were taught on how to use the fire extinguishers and the fire hose. We applied it with the actual fire. I squeak at the first try of fire extinguisher. And, I was reluctant to try using the fire hose as, I know, the water pressure could be difficult to handle. But, then, I had no other choice. I should do it as a member of Fire Brigade. I did it! Though, with only little water pressure (hehe.) Now, I know. It is not easy to become a Fire Fighter. Much more with saving lives. I did it in our simulation activity but I do not know if I can do it with the real thing. I just pray that it will not happen.