Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 07 March 2025
An Off-Site Emergency Response Drill simulating a fire incident was conducted at Haddo Wharf on Thursday by the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), Haddo, Sri Vijaya Puram, in coordination with the Directorate of Disaster Management. The drill aimed to assess real-time emergency response capabilities by creating a simulated fire scenario.
The exercise tested the preparedness of the IOCL team and various Emergency Support Functionaries (ESFs), including the A&N Police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), A&N Fire & Emergency Services, Directorate of Health Services, and the Port Management Board (PMB) in effectively handling such crises.
Upon receiving the mock fire alert, IOCL swiftly activated its emergency response mechanism and notified key agencies, including ERSS, the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC), Fire & Health Control Rooms, and other relevant authorities. Meanwhile, IOCL personnel were mobilized to control the fire, as fire tenders and response teams rushed to the scene to contain the situation. Ambulance transported the injured individuals to the hospital as part of the exercise.
The drill was officially called off at 11:45 AM, followed by a debriefing session where observers highlighted key findings and areas for improvement. Officials from the Police, Fire, Health, NDRF, CISF, and Disaster Management departments were urged to provide regular safety training for IOCL personnel to enhance preparedness for real-life emergencies.
Such mock drills play a crucial role in strengthening disaster response mechanisms and ensuring swift action in case of actual incidents.