In a bid to keep public alert during the north east monsoon, the Fire and Rescue Services Department, Vellore, demonstrated life-saving techniques essential to stay safe in floods on Monday.
According to C. Murugesan, assistant district officer, Fire and Rescue Services, Vellore, the mock drill was conducted to demonstrate techniques on staying safe during floods. It was conducted on the premises of the Collector’s office.
“The mock drill showed what precautionary measures people should take during the rains. Our men demonstrated life saving techniques if someone is trapped in floods or in a water body,” he said.
He said that in case someone is caught in sudden floods, they can stay afloat using an airtight empty bottle. “A person can hold on to two such airtight empty bottles to stay afloat in water. They should use whatever is available around them to protect themselves. This could be a stem of banana plant (“Vazhai mattai”) or a plastic bag filled with air,” he said.
He advised the public not to venture into water bodies for swimming to prevent drowning. “We have already erected warning boards near water bodies in areas including at Katpadi, Arcot, Gudiyatham and Palar. We have put up these boards warning people not to enter areas where the depth is more. Those who do not know swimming should not venture into these water bodies,” he said.
