JFB Wants Hosts to Share Emergency Plan with Guests at Large Family Gatherings

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is encouraging persons who will be hosting large family gatherings this Christmas to share their emergency plan with their guests. 

“We want to ensure that anyone who comes into the space of the host, they are made aware of what the plan of action is, in the event that there is a fire or any other emergency,” said Research and Planning Officer, Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), Jay Scott, in an interview with JIS News. 

Mr. Scott noted that having an emergency plan at home is essential and it is something that the JFB encourages all year round. 

He pointed out that, by now, it is expected that all families would have implemented their own emergency plan, making it readily available to share with others. 

“We don’t want persons who are not familiar with a space to be in that space and then if something happens, it is chaotic. So, we encourage persons –  you should have already had your plan with your family… to share that plan with persons who are not familiar with the space,” said Mr. Scott. 

He further urged householders without an emergency plan to get one formulated, as it helps to ensure a safe evacuation, “if something should happen”. 

Meanwhile, the Acting Research and Planning Officer pointed out that an emergency plan is also a requirement for persons who are organising large events. 

“In the event that something goes wrong, we want to know that persons on the ground are able to both guide patrons and ensure that the issue is resolved in the shortest possible time,” said Mr. Scott. 

Event organisers are required to obtain a permit from the JFB.

The permit enables the JFB to provide fire and life safety guidelines to ensure patrons are able to enjoy themselves safely.