Port Blair, Oct. 10: A Mock Drill on Fire Incident was conducted in the State Library, Port Blair today by the Directorate of Disaster Management in coordination with A&N Police, A&N Police Fire Services, Directorate of Health Services, APWD and NDRF by creating real time fire simulation scenarios and tested the preparedness level and response system of State Library and also observed safe evacuation, search & rescue and fire extinguish operations, first aid along with medical support to manage the fire incident scenario in the State Library.

Immediately on receipt of information of Fire Incident, the In-charge State Library informed the same to SEOC, DEOC, Fire, Ambulance etc. Meanwhile the officials and staff were activated to dousing the fire, emergency evacuation of all Library members and attenders, the Fire Service and Medical team reached the incident spot with fire tender and ambulances along with teams to control the fire.

The Fire and Search & Rescue team searched all rooms of State Library and found 3 staff members trapped in a Library Room and were safely rescued by the Fire team. They were handed over to medical team for further treatment and hospitalization. Members, Attenders and other staff of State Library were moved to the identified safe area. The NDRF team observed all the activities of fire drill in the State Library. The Police team cordon off the entire area and controlled the traffic movement.

The Mock Drill was called off at 1200 hrs followed by a debriefing session wherein the observers of the Mock Drill explained the findings and gaps of the Mock Drill.

The In-charge, State Library appreciated the efforts of their staff and other teams of various Departments for their active participation in the Mock Drill. The Police, Fire, NDRF, Health, APWD and Disaster Management officers urged the In-charge and their staff to regularly check all the fire extinguishers and safety equipments, train all staff with basic skill on safety measures, update emergency contact for capacity building of State Library to cope up any crisis in near future.