KOZHIKODE: In a first of its kind initiative, an awareness class on bomb detection is being conducted in schools across the state under the banner of Student Police Cadet (SPC). As per police sources, the classes are being conducted after a circular was issued by the DGP instructing SPC to do the same in the wake of a bomb scare incident that spread panic at a school in Thiruvananthapuram recently.
The classes, led by Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) of the Kerala police, will be held at all the SPC schools across the state. “The contents of the class ranges from safety precautions while seeing an explosive to the instructions which are to be followed during evacuation. On the application level, this will help prevent any untoward incident in schools,” said a senior police officer associated with the SPC.
The initiative of SPC is widely applauded as a timely move. It’s only recently that the bomb squad of the Kerala police had to conduct a check at five schools in Kollam district following a bomb threat.
Launched in 2010, the Student Police Cadet (SPC) Project is a school-based initiative by Kerala Police. Earlier, a study by the state planning board on the SPC programme has concluded that the initiative has been successful achieving its professed targets.
Instructions from bomb squad on instances of spotting explosives:
Do not operate any electronic device (camera, mobile phone etc.)
Do not cut any circuit
Evacuate all persons to a safe distance.
Walk out of the building in a quiet manner.
Open all windows/doors/cupboard before leaving.
Don’t use escalators /lifts/conveyors.
Cut off gas and electric supply before leaving.
Switch off electrical supply to the room.