New Kirk: The Towering Inferno?

Recently a fire evacuation drill was held in New Kirk. Academic staff involved were warned in advance. Despite this, the evacuation took nearly nine minutes! Fire officers who were invited to observe made eight recommendations arising out of this abortive, but salutary, exercise. It is easy to see why.

On some floors, alarm bells couldn't even be heard; many smoke stop doors were found tied open and staff and students alike demonstrated a lack of readiness to take the whole thing seriously. It was the time taken to complete the evacuation that was the most obvious cause for concern though. This is hardly surprising when one considers that Rongotai College can be and has been, evacuated completely in just over 30 seconds. Last week's fiasco was of course only a drill and probably suffered because so many people knew that.

All students got handouts on Civil Defence in the university during enrolment. If you haven't already thrown them away, take a look at them and give serious thought to becoming involved. The emphasis has been on using staff, but student participation is both welcome and essential. If you can help, contact Mr Rose (the university Civil Defence Officer) who has full details. Members of the executive hope to get funds allocated to send students to First Aid Courses. Wardens and Rescue Courses are also available. Watch for details in the Exec column here in Salient'

The experience of evacuating the Union building last year and finding later that the creche was the last area to be cleared, carries the same message as does the trial evacuation of Kirk. In a real disaster students would have very little idea of what to do. It is a frightening thought.

John Roseveare