Police Issue Guidelines After Rakai School Fire

Following the recent fire incident in which 10 students of St. Bernard’s- Manya SS in Rakai district perished, the Police have once again issued security (fire) guidelines to school headteachers.

Police spokesperson, Emilian Kayima, a statement issued Wednesday said that it is important for all schools to remember to take note of the safety guidelines that were issued sometime back.

The guidelines include; activating safety and security committees for staff and learners, controlled access to school premises, holding regular meetings with staff and other people relevant to create awareness and responsiveness and set up crime prevention clubs in schools.

Kayima said schools should have robust fire safety measures like fire hydrants, firefighting equipment, training of the school community in firefighting and setting up assembly points.

Kayima appealed to parents to equally share with schools any valuable information they get from their children so that a nation of sane and responsible citizens is achieved. “By that young people will be able to differentiate evil from good,” Kayima said.

Others are:

•   Employing guards on 24/7 hour basis

•   Proper identification system

•   Have a clear record keeping system

•   Conduct regular and snap checks

•   Close working relationship with neighbouring communities

•   Provide professional counselling services to students

•   Avoid burglar proofs in dormitories