Terror attack drills: This is how one should be carried out

Hotbed of terror was how we were defined by international media not long ago. Just as many countries we are vulnerable to terror attack. This explains why brilliant brains came up with an idea of conducting a drill at Strathmore University. Drilling is vital to determine our preparedness in terror attacks. However, execution is our only problem.

The drilling took a turn for the worst when frightened students jumped out of the windows from the six-storey student center taking their chances at life. The results were twenty injured students with two in critical condition and one staff feared dead. The security team says they used blank bullets therefore the students were not exposed to any danger, turning a blind eye to reactions purely driven by adrenaline.  This event can only be safe if the Wananchi are sensitised to help prepare them psychologically.

It is crucial to incorporate basic security training in the school system.  As suggested by Senator Mike Sonko, when the Garissa students were attacked, NYS training should be re-introduced for every student who has completed form four. Prior to any drilling exercise students should be trained on run, fight and hide tactics, then the drilling will be justified to find out if the lessons were well learnt. This will differ from the current tactic of mobilising the university community a week before to be on standby in case of any casualties.

Safety emergency plans for every school should be developed. Starting small with drills on evacuation being the most delicate as most people are injured during stampedes. The University had six floors with only two doors being operational and the third one being locked. A day before the drill, a social media platform had predicted that many people will jump through the window. Sadly they did.

A campaign is also essential to inform citizens on how to prepare their business environs, churches, mosques, homes and families for terror attacks. Emergency and first aid kits should be restocked to help with the casualties before the medics arrive.

As a country we have to be careful to draw a distinct difference between a drill and a real incident to avoid assumption in case of a real occurrence. Drills should be reported to the media, parents and the authority to avoid creating panic in the country. When the incident occurred in the first ten minutes, it was reported to be a terror attack. Unsuspecting parents went on shock mode feeling inadequate to help or save their children, praying for their survival.

Safety of the citizens should be prioritised. Therefore the drills should be done occasionally to help the students and citizens learn to keep their cool during an attack thereby saving lives without being over dependent on the police.