The Hindu : New Delhi News : Mock safety drill at Delhi Secretariat

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Friday, Jun 20, 2008
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Mock safety drill at Delhi Secretariat

Staff Reporter

To check the level of preparedness of civic agencies in dealing with a real disaster

NEW DELHI: A mock blast and fire drill was conducted at Delhi Secretariat on Thursday to check the level of preparedness of various civic agencies in dealing with a real disaster and their ability to evacuate people quickly and safely.

The drill began with a phone call to the Police Control Room at around 3 p.m. about there being a bomb blast in the cafeteria of Delhi Secretariat. It was informed that the blast had led to a small fire and smoke had engulfed the first floor of the buildings.

Building searched

Following the alert, PCR vans and fire tenders rushed to Delhi Secretariat. All officials present in the building were then directed to leave the building immediately. Various teams searched across the building for the possibility of more bombs having been planted in the premises. A fire tender reached the cafeteria area and doused the fire within five minutes.

Various steps

A Delhi Government spokesperson said the purpose of the drill was to prepare the staff and people in the building for any eventuality and to inform them about the various steps that need to be taken in such a scenario.

The drills are meant to ensure that the citizens and other agencies learn their role and overcome possibility of shock and fear, he added.

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