KARACHI: The Sindh Education Department has issued fire safety guidelines for private schools across the province in the wake of the Gul Plaza tragedy.
In a notification, the School Education Department on Tuesday ordered immediate implementation of the directions in all private educational institutions.
The guidelines require the installation of fire alarms, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Schools have also been ordered to keep emergency exits and stairs open and clearly marked.
The directive establishes that periodic inspection of school electrical systems will be mandatory. Schools have also been ordered to display emergency evacuation plans in prominent locations.
According to the instructions issued, it is mandatory to conduct fire drills at least twice a year. Fire safety training has also been made mandatory for teachers and staff.
The guidelines further direct schools to ensure special safety measures for students with special needs. The determination of a meeting point has also been made mandatory.
The Sindh Education Department said strict action will be taken against schools that do not comply with the instructions.
A major fire destroyed Gul Plaz on the night of January 17, after which the iconic shopping center, a multi-story complex with 1,200 mom-and-pop shops selling children’s clothing, toys, tableware and household items, was reduced to ashes. More than 70 bodies have been recovered and a search is underway to recover more.
