Safety should be observed in all mock drills

It is unfortunate that an employee of Strathmore University died and several students injured during a mock terror drill.

While mock drills are an important component of enhancing preparedness, the main aim should not be to create panic or mayhem but to teach important lessons such as evacuation routes, meeting points and guiding the participants on the dos and don’ts.

Before conducting mock drills, institutions must teach staff and students what to expect and how to react.

Trained emergency champions or marshals should be deployed in strategic danger spots to guide panicky people through designated exit routes.

Safety must be at the core of all mock drills. It beats the whole purpose of a mock drill if participants get injured or die.