Residents of South Mumbai got lessons in fire safety, prevention and the fire brigade’s challenges in Mumbai at an interactive sessions on Friday evening organised by All India Professionals’ Congress.
AIPC had organised an initiative called #FireSafeMumbai wherein it brought senior officers of the fire brigade to interact with the audience about fire safety measures. The venue for the event was Cambatta Building at Churchgate.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Jha, AIPC Maharashtra president and national spokesperson INC, said, “This is a matter that should concern all of us. One of the reasons why society fails is because we think that if it’s not me then everything is all right. But the challenge is to put yourselves in that position. Let us not wait for something to happen in our surrounding but let’s make change happen because it is somebody’s life.”
Milind Deora, former Member of Parliament and Minister of State, said, “It is true that a lot of government policies are not implemented but what is more important is do we know that if in our surrounding the firefighting equipment works? Do we know whom to call if there is an emergency? Do we know how to prevent a fire in the first place? Most of the fires in Mumbai occurred because of faulty electric wires in the recent past. This could have been avoided. I think we should all take advantage of this initiative, create awareness, and act upon it.”
Prabhat Rahangdale, Chief Fire Officer, Mumbai, said, “It is important for people to remain calm in every situation. Also, I insist that you spread the word, create awareness in your surroundings by putting up ‘do’s and don’t’s list’ in all prominent places. I insist you to seek training from the department to fight in a situation like fire,” Mr. Rahangdale said, while giving a presentation on the brigade’s preparednes, the various incidences in the last few years, the challenges that Mumbai poses, its reach-out programmes and what citizens can do to be more alert.
AIPC felicitated four firemen and one fire officer at the event for bravery and outstanding performance during various firefighting operations.
Ten-year-old Zen Sadavarte, 10, a resident of Crystal Tower where a fire broke out in August, was also felicitated. Young Zen had shown presence of mind and used fire safety measures she had learned in school to help her family and neighbours to safety during the blaze.
Shiv Kampani, a class IX student of Dhirubhai Ambani School, was felicitated for his innovation, a smart gas leak detector that sends out alerts in case nobody is home.
