THE non-governmental organisation (NGO) Guyana Environmental and Safety Foundation (GE&SF) has started conducting fire drills in Georgetown schools. Its President, Mr. Darwin Bourne said the exercises are being carried out in schools that have been accredited by the Ministry of Education.
He said, in addition to focusing on those institutions in the city, special emphasis will be placed on others in hinterland areas.
Bourne said the first drill, conducted last month at Kingston Community High School, received positive reviews from the headteacher as well as the participants and,  subsequently, another equally successful one followed at Bishops’ High School.
“The purpose of this programme is to increase the awareness of prevention which will, in turn, decrease the incidents of fire caused by children,” he said.
Bourne said, upon completion of the series, participating students of the Prefect Body and the school itself will be awarded certificates.
“They will be privy to a practical demonstration and would be rewarded for taking  part,” he indicated.
Bourne, however, admitted that it will be difficult to create a safe zone in some of the chosen schools, because they are not situated in up-wind areas.
He said the ideal would be the establishment where persons can assemble in the event of an emergency and some schools lack the space.
Meanwhile, three more schools are targeted for the drills and they are Bladen Hall Multilateral and Annandale Secondary on East Coast Demerara and St. George’s High in the capital.
GE&SF, in its continuing efforts to promote safety will also be hosting a seminar on fire safety and risk management on October 29, at Duke Lodge, in Duke Street, Kingston, too.
The six-hour programme is specially for persons with a basic knowledge of fire safety.
GE&SF, formed two years ago, has as its theme ‘Safety Evolves’ and seeks  to enhance that and security in Guyana.
Fire Prevention Week is being observed through October and is themed ‘Promoting safer community through active participation in fire prevention’ and the resuscitated Fire Advisory Board is joining forces with related departments countrywide to remind residents of the importance of fire safety.