DO II Ebenezer Yenzu has urged households and building occupants to prioritise evacuation planning and identify alternative exits to ensure safety during emergencies such as fires, explosions and building collapses.
Speaking on evacuation on Nyansapo Fie, Plan B FM’s family, relationship and lifestyle programme, hosted by Ohene kinnah, DO II Yenzu explained that evacuation involves moving people away from an emergency scene to safety in an orderly manner rather than rushing in panic.
He identified three types of evacuation, total evacuation, which involves moving people from a dangerous area to a place of absolute safety, phased evacuation, where people closest to the danger are moved first before others, and partial evacuation, which involves moving people from one part of a building to another, such as between floors.
He stressed that evacuation procedures depend on the nature of the emergency and the level of danger, adding that priority should be given to people who are most at risk.
On signs of possible building danger, DO II Yenzu mentioned cracks in structures, shaky floors, crooked metal components and excessive weight or overloading, warning that building materials can also contribute to structural collapse.
He encouraged occupants to familiarise themselves with the layout of buildings they use regularly, explaining that having a mental picture of their surroundings can help them navigate during emergencies. He also stressed that children should be able to identify and move through their surroundings without assistance.
DO II Yenzu further advised households to appoint a safety officer or designate someone to take responsibility for safety arrangements. He urged occupants to keep exit routes clear and ensure that doors are accessible, adding that evacuation plans should be activated based on the situation.
He cautioned against relying on only one exit, emphasising the need for a secondary escape route in case the main exit becomes inaccessible. He also noted that the size of exit doors is an important consideration in evacuation planning.
By: Lydia Owusu
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