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. 2024 Sep 30;16(1):1669.
doi: 10.4102/jamba.v16i1.1669. eCollection 2024.

The fire hazard preparedness of special needs schools in the North West Province, South Africa

Tlou D Raphela  1 , Ndivhuwo Ndaba  1
Affiliations

The fire hazard preparedness of special needs schools in the North West Province, South Africa

Tlou D Raphela et al. Jamba. .

Abstract

Fire disaster preparedness has been reported as critical in schools, especially for schools that have learners with special needs. This study, therefore, through a quantitative research approach, collected data from 88 participants across nine special needs schools (SNS) in the North West Province of South Africa to assess the fire preparedness of these schools. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The study applied descriptive and inferential statistics using R Statistical Software package to analyse questions that gauged the fire preparedness of the sampled schools. Four generalised linear and one ordinal regression models were applied to the data and found statistically significant differences for some predictors across the four applied GLMs. Significant results were found for the school fire safety management model applied to the Disaster Preparedness Strategy framework (χ2 = 206.7; p = 0.01; R 2 = 90.5%). However, a significant difference was only found in the question of early warning systems across the eight predictor variables for the framework.

Contribution: The maintenance and recordkeeping model showed significant results in terms of record maintenance and the frequency of fire safety equipment inspections. While compliance with specific fire safety regulations is essential, broader engagement and continuous improvement in early warning systems are necessary for a more resilient disaster preparedness strategy. This study addresses a critical gap in understanding and improving fire hazard preparedness in these schools. The authors therefore recommend intervention from the authorities to assist these schools to prepare for fires.

Keywords: fire hazard; injury mechanisms; mitigation; people with disabilities; preparedness.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationship(s) that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Number of responses for model training for staff and learner: The interaction between conducting and participating in fire drills. (a) the interaction between conducting fire drills and staff confidence; (b) the interaction between participation in fire drills and staff confidence; (c) boxes show the first and third quartiles and medians (solid black line across the box). Whiskers show total range, and dots outside of boxes indicate outliers.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Number of responses for model maintenance and recordkeeping: Records of all maintenance. (a) fire safety drills recorded; (b) equipment inspected and maintained; (c) compliance certificate; (d) boxes show the first and third quartiles and medians (solid black line across the box). Whiskers show total range, and dots outside of boxes indicate outliers.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Number of responses for model staff’s knowledge of their responsibility: The responsibility of staff. (a) assistance with evacuation; (b) fire evacuation procedure; (c) operating fire extinguisher; (d) boxes show the first and third quartiles and medians (solid black line across the box). Whiskers show total range, and dots outside of boxes indicate outliers.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
The number of reports about the fire safety plans (available; not available; uncertain of availability) reported by respondents for recruitment of fire officers or committee. (a) use of flammable chemicals; (b) chemicals stored in purpose-made storage; (c) protocols for handling chemicals; (d) flammable chemicals registered; (e) use of gas in their school premises; (f) from the sampled special needs schools in the North West Province of South Africa.
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References

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