Reported by:
Ho Chia Chien Sr3ComB
Photography by:
Kuen Cheng Newsletter Club
On 22nd March 2025, Kuen Cheng High School conducted a school-wide evacuation drill at 8:00 a.m. to ensure that students and teachers can respond quickly and safely in case of an emergency, minimizing panic and confusion. Before the evacuation drill starts, Form Teachers entered their respective classrooms and showed students two preparatory videos covering evacuation knowledge.
(Photo 1: Form Teachers showing preparatory videos)
The first video features Mr. Tsung Han Tsai, who debunks three common fire escape myths in his TEDxTaipei talk. He emphasises that thick smoke, not flames, is the leading cause of fire-related deaths. He warns against hiding in bathrooms, as plastic doors can melt, allowing smoke to enter, and running upstairs, since smoke rises rapidly. He also clarifies that wet towels cannot effectively block toxic gases or heat. Instead, he introduces a key evacuation rule: “Escape quickly in small fires, close the door in heavy smoke.” If trapped, one should close the door, open a window, and wait for rescue.
Similarly, a New Taipei Fire Department video reinforces these principles through a simulation house experiment. The presenter places cockroaches in a model house and releases non-toxic smoke to show that, without closing the door, one can quickly pass out or even die. However, closing the door and sealing gaps with wet towels slows smoke infiltration, increasing survival chances. If the fire is small, evacuate immediately. If thick smoke is present, close the door, seal gaps, open a window, and signal for help. Both videos emphasise taking the right actions to escape or shelter safely during a fire.
After watching the two videos about fire safety and evacuation, the students orderly lined up outside their classrooms and proceeded downstairs when the fire alarm sounded. Different classes gathered at designated locations: classes from Blocks C and D assembled in the red brick area next to the school bus parking zone by the hall, while classes from Blocks A and B gathered in the school’s open-air parking lot.
Upon arrival, class monitors took attendance, ensuring that all present students were accounted for and reported to their teachers. Meanwhile, Discipline Teachers were actively guiding students, ensuring they reached the correct assembly points.
(Photo 2: Students lining up tidily)
To make sure the attendees’ physical level returns back to its average physiological level, a cool-down session was conducted.
(Photo 3: Class Monitors marking attendance)
