One of the critical functions of the CAER committee is to plan and execute awareness activities within GMM regarding fire and life safety. The effective execution of this service to the community requires the utilization of individuals who are trained to render this service to the community.
The shortage of trained educators was highlighted at one of the monthly CAER meetings in 2023. The committee embarked on a process to investigate the various options at its disposal to facilitate and address this need.
During the week of 13 to 17 May 2024, CAER hosted a training session for its members. The training is derived from the international NFPA 1035 standard for Fire and Life Safety Educators.
The Johannesburg Emergency Management Service’s Public Information Education and Relations division was approached, and Mr Gavin Wilson, with the support of his management, agreed to assist with training.
The training was made possible by CAER members and non-members. “We thank Mediclinic-Highveld for the venue, BCX for the printing of the participant manuals, Selective Cookies for the morning snacks and Mr Gavin Wilson for his time and effort in presenting the training,” said Neels de Klerk Sasol representative of the CAER committee.
Members from CAER Who Participated in the training included:
- GMM Fire and Rescue services
- GMM Disaster Management
- GMM Traffic department
- Sasol Emergency Management
- Sasol Security (Traffic services)
- Hamnet
“Doing awareness regarding a host of fire and life safety topics is our core business,” says Boel Engelbrecht, the CAER committee chairperson, “and to do this effectively we need to ensure that the safety messages we teach are appropriate for a specific audience,”
At the completion of the training, a total of 17 members completed the course.
