A total of 31 young people from Green Island, Hanover, are taking part in a two-day fire safety workshop.
The event, held at the Green Island Police Station, is a joint effort between the Jamaica Fire Brigade’s (JFB) Hanover division and the Green Island Police Youth Club (PYC).
As reported by The Gleaner, this workshop began on Sunday and is set to conclude on October 6.
The workshop is a result of earlier sensitization efforts conducted by the JFB with members of the Green Island PYC.
Woman Corporal Evan McIntyre, who leads the Green Island PYC, stated: “It is from that sensitization drive they (the fire personnel) decided that we can work together and create this workshop where persons can benefit from being certified as community safety wardens.”
Khalilah Wright-Gray, district officer at the JFB Hanover division, explained that the workshop is part of a broader national initiative to train residents in fire safety.
Wright-Gray noted: “The objective of the overall training is to facilitate knowledge-based training for the residents within the communities, so that in case there is an emergency, they can assist themselves until the fire department gets there.”
Hanover, with just one fire station in Lucea, often requires external assistance from neighboring parishes for emergencies.
Wright-Gray emphasized that the program equips community members with basic knowledge of fire safety, allowing them to manage emergency situations before professional help arrives.
Participants in the workshop receive a mix of theoretical and practical instruction.
The training includes fire safety standards, proper use of fire extinguishers, and the maintenance of fire hydrants.
Wright-Gray added that the training focuses on preventive measures and practical steps to mitigate fire risks in the community.
“Participants will have enough basic knowledge that they can assist themselves, in helping to prevent the situation from getting worse or out of hand,” said Wright-Gray.
This training will result in participants being certified as community fire wardens, enabling them to help prevent and respond to fire hazards effectively.
The JFB Hanover division has organized similar workshops in other parts of the parish, highlighting their commitment to educating the public on fire safety.
Wright-Gray stressed that the fire brigade is always willing to support community groups in acquiring basic fire prevention knowledge.
She encouraged interested groups to contact the Hanover divisional headquarters for future training opportunities.
Participants from the current workshop will receive official certification at the end of the two-day training session.
Thirty-one young individuals from Green Island, Hanover, are participating in a two-day fire safety workshop, a joint venture between the Jamaica Fire Brigade’s Hanover division and the Green Island Police Youth Club.
This initiative, which started on Sunday and will conclude on October 6, provides both theoretical and practical training in fire safety, including fire extinguisher use and fire hydrant maintenance.
The workshop is part of a broader national project aiming to enhance community preparedness in emergency situations.
Upon completion, participants will be certified as community fire safety wardens.
