GNFS demonstrates its preparedness for emergencies

The Ghana National Fires Service (GNFS) has demonstrated its preparedness for emergency situations such as fire outbreak, especially in regards to high buildings in Accra.

“We have started the exercise with high rise buildings but we will move to other areas such as the filling stations and a special taskforce has also been assigned to ensure that public places such as the markets are not prone to dangers,” Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Samuel Nana Brenya, said.

The Service used the occasion to undertake an assessment exercise on the building of Societe Generale’s Headquarters, to find out its preparedness towards emergency situations.

The exercise followed an earlier caution given to institutions by the GNFS to conduct a simulation exercise to find existing and effective emergency aids and equipment.

ACFO Brenya, told journalists that during the exercise, it was noticed that the GNFS ladder could only go up to six floors of high buildings.

He advised property owners to conform to the building code of high rise buildings.

ACFO Brenya advised property owners to put into consideration emergency exits and early warning systems whenever they are undertaking construction works, because failure to do so would put lives at risk.

He observed that some contractors seek the advice of the Service before construction but change the plan in the course of works, and said such situation makes it difficult for the GNFS to attend to emergency situations.