File Photo: Mr. Damion Lloyd - District Officer, Jamaica Fire Bigrade conducting a fire safety sensitization session with staff at the Transport Authority Corporate Office on April 24, 2025.
KINGSTON, JAMAICA - May 20, 2025:
The Transport Authority, today, facilitated a fire drill carried out by
the Jamaica Fire Brigade to sensitize staff and customers at its Licensing
Department on emergency response protocols.
The drill tested evacuation protocols, identified
potential challenges in relation to fire response and assessed the
communication links in relation to first responders. It was conducted under ‘real life circumstances’ where customers were conducting business with the
Authority at the time.
The
Transport Authority says the drill form part of its emergency plan and
underscores its commitment to enhancing fire safety awareness through a focus
on preparedness and education, ensuring the well-being of staff and customers.
Mr. Ralston Smith, Transport Authority Managing
Director said that the drill met its objective, in that the Fire Brigade provided
the Authority with the needed information for its preparedness and made
recommendations for areas where improvements are needed.
Mr. Smith says, “It was a well-executed drill. Persons
evacuated the respective areas within minutes, and the necessary head count was
done. However, greater sensitization of key stakeholders will enhance future
drills and sensitization sessions.”
Since January, this is the second in a series of
disaster preparedness sessions held with Transport Authority staff throughout
the Kingston Metropolitan Offices, to build awareness around the ever-present
threat of fires, earthquakes and other catastrophes.
The Transport Authority’s disaster preparedness drills
in collaboration with the Jamaica Fire Brigade and the Office of Disaster
Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) will continue throughout all the
Transport Authority’s Regional offices in upcoming months.
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