Can any 'good' come from the Armadale tragedy? Well, it is a tragedy in the truest sense and we would much rather it had not happened but, like all tragedies, there are lessons to be learned and deficiencies which otherwise would not have been brought to light are revealed.

In every tragedy, there is the opportunity to improve upon existing conditions during the rebuilding process.

The inquest that is currently going on has revealed several things but I do hope that in addition to all the necessary changes and actions that are required, the relevant authority would see the urgency of the need for there to be a national campaign for fire-safety tips and awareness.

fire-related tragedy

There is hardly a week that goes by without there being a report of a fire-related tragedy in which individuals perish, Armadale being one of the more recent and public incident.

A correctional officer assigned to the institution revealed in the inquest recently that she had never received training in fire safety, was not aware that a fire extinguisher was at the institution and was more or less clueless as to what were the required action and cautions in such an event.

I would imagine that persons hearing this would be shocked and outraged that one in such a capacity would lack such basic knowledge. However, considering the limited attention that is given publicly to fire safety and prevention, this should not too shocking.

preventing a repeat

It is sad that seven precious lives were lost, but good can come from this tragedy if immediate action is taken to prevent a repeat. Too often, we witness persons perishing in fires because of breaches in fire-safety precautions. There is now an obvious need to educate the public at large not just students and workers in large organisations, but everyone about precautions to take in the event of a fire as well as fire prevention and safety.

This national campaign will have to include the mass media as this is the most effective way of reaching the masses and it should be an ongoing campaign as there is no 'fire season'.

I am, etc.,

VALCIA ELLINGTON

valciaellington@yahoo.com

Stony Hill

Kingston 9