Patiala (Kaka Ram Verma):- Awareness about preventing accidents caused by fire, gas, electricity, petroleum products, chemicals and smoke is especially important during festivals and the winter season. Every year, thousands of children, youngsters and other citizens suffer injuries, while many lose their lives due to firecrackers, gas-related incidents and electrical accidents during Diwali and other festivals. Keeping this in mind, efforts are being made to educate students and teachers, who can further spread safety awareness among parents and neighbourhood residents.
These views were expressed by Mrs. Sarla Bhatnagar, Principal of Veer Haqiqat Rai Model Senior Secondary School, Patiala, while extending Diwali and festive greetings to students and wishing them a safe, healthy and happy celebration. She thanked Mr. Kaka Ram Verma, Chief Trainer of the First Aid, Safety and Health Awareness Mission, for providing training on accident prevention, helping victims and responding to emergencies.
Mr. Kaka Ram Verma provided detailed information on preventing fire, gas and electrical accidents and demonstrated the use of water, soil, starvation (cutting off the supply of fuel or oxygen) and fire extinguishers to control fires. He also explained the use of emergency helpline numbers. NCC cadets were given practical training in rescuing victims from gas-filled and smoke-filled areas, artificial respiration, ventilator support, the ABCD procedure and CPR. They were also informed about the safe handling and proper use of gas, electricity and petroleum products.
NCC Officer Suchna Sharma, NSS Programme Officer Ravinder Kaur and the Scout and Guide teacher thanked Principal Mrs. Sarla Bhatnagar and Mr. Kaka Ram Verma for organising the awareness and training session. They stated that last year, 165 children in Punjab reportedly lost their eyesight due to firecracker-related incidents, while property worth crores of rupees was destroyed in fires. They also pointed out that people lose their lives during winter due to the use of traditional braziers and heaters in closed rooms. They said that such awareness and practical training could help reduce accidents and protect precious lives and property.
