After the Flames: A Call for Safety Consciousness in Queen Elizabeth II Hall

 

In the early hours of Tuesday, December 5, 2024, tragedy almost struck Queen Elizabeth II Hall. The hall warden’s office and the secretary’s office, both located in Block B, were engulfed in flames. The reason for the fire outbreak remains unknown, but for many Queenites, it was a terrifying wake-up call. The sight of flames and the crackling of fire breaking through the quiet night jolted the entire hall into a state of panic and fear.

Amid the chaos, students from various halls sprang into action, responding to the urgent SOS cry. Their swift response was a testament to the spirit of community and solidarity within the University of Ibadan. The University’s Fire Service, alongside these brave students, worked tirelessly to put out the fire. Thanks to their combined efforts, the fire was curtailed, and most importantly, no lives were lost. While we are grateful for this outcome, it is a reminder that more must be done to prevent such incidents in the future.

This incident has brought to the fore the importance of safety consciousness within the hall. It is easy to believe that disasters like this are rare or distant, but the events of December 5th show that they can happen anywhere, at any time. The hall’s residents have previously been trained by the University’s Fire Service and the Red Cross on how to handle a fire outbreak and how to use a portable fire extinguisher. However, training alone is not enough. Safety must be embedded in our daily habits and actions.

We must ask ourselves: are we truly safety-conscious in our daily routines? Are we careful to unplug sockets and switches before leaving our rooms? Do we promptly report electrical faults, power surges, or malfunctioning appliances to the appropriate authorities? The hall management has made it clear that they are ready to provide support whenever needed, but it is up to us, the residents, to take the first step by reporting hazards as soon as they are noticed.

The tragedy could have been worse. Imagine if the fire had spread to the residential areas of the hall where students were sleeping. The story could have had a much graver ending. But instead of waiting for a worse outcome, let this incident serve as a clarion call. We must all do our part to make Queen Elizabeth II Hall safer for everyone.

Here’s how we can take action:

Unplug Appliances: Make it a habit to unplug all electrical devices, including chargers, irons, and kitchen appliances, before leaving your room.

Report Faults: If you notice any power surges, flickering lights, or malfunctioning sockets, report them immediately to hall management. Do not assume someone else will do it.

Use Sockets Correctly: Avoid overloading sockets with multiple appliances. This not only wears out the sockets but also increases the risk of electrical fires.

Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings. If you smell burning wires or notice smoke, act immediately by raising the alarm and alerting hall officials.

Safety is a collective effort. Every student has a role to play in ensuring that the hall remains a safe environment. It is easy to think, “It’s not my responsibility,” but that mindset can lead to negligence, which puts everyone at risk. Fire safety is not an individual task—it is a shared responsibility.

The events of December 5th have left an indelible mark on the minds of residents. But from this tragedy, we must learn, grow, and act. We must become more vigilant and more proactive. Our hall’s safety depends on it. Let us not wait for another outbreak to remind us of the importance of safety consciousness. Let us act now, for tomorrow may be too late.