Flood Survival and Drowning Risk Awareness Campaign 2013

Learn to stay afloat in a flood

There is always more than meets the eye, like how a plastic bottle can save a life. Which is what visitors to the flood survival and drowning risk awareness campaign 2013 will get to learn.

The campaign will be organised by the Malaysian Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (MVFRA) and the Road Safety Marshal Club at Cheras Leisure Mall here tomorrow at 10am to 6pm.

The aim of the one-day campaign is to prepare the public for floods and teach them ways to prevent drowning. MVFRA chairman Captain K. Balasupramaniam believes that education is most important in times of a disaster, natural or otherwise.

"In times of peace, prepare for war," said the safety activist, affectionately known as Bala.

The MVFRA has extensive experience and expertise in search-and-rescue operations -- from earthquakes and tsunamis to fires and floods.

Since its inception 21 years ago, MVFRA has been involved in flood rescue and relief operations both locally and internationally.

"During a flood, our priority is to evacuate the sick, elderly, young children and the disabled," said Bala, adding that people in these priority groups would be evacuated with the association's two duck boats, while the rest would be given life jackets.

"Once people have been evacuated to the relief centre, they will be given medical attention such as hypothermia treatment and food.

"Every year, we are involved in evacuation and relief efforts in flood affected areas such as Parit Sulong, Hulu Langat, Johor, Terennganu, Pahang, Perlis and Melaka. As a member of the Federation of World Volunteer Firefighters Associations, the services of the MVFRA are also called upon for large-scale international disasters.

"Our search-and-rescue teams can reach ground zero in 48 hours, where we will assist for up to 21 days.

"To date, we have assisted in Thailand's 2011 floods, and the 2009 Typhoon Ketsana in the Philippines." After victims are evacuated, MVFRA will donate and also reach out to the public through friends and social media to collect and distribute essentials such as food, baby milk powder and clothes, among others, to those affected.

Tucked away in a small corner of Cheras, the MVFRA's "mini fortress" houses a fire engine, boats, off-road bikes, rescue dogs and a treasure trove of search-and-rescue equipment, but for Bala, education is the one that really makes the difference.

"During a flood, we need people to be MacGyvers, so that they know what to do and can help others," adding that this was why the campaign was so important.

During the campaign, Bala and his fellow team members will demonstrate how cost-effective methods can be used to secure items during floods.

There will be 20 stations, each teaching visitors techniques such as SOS signaling, preparation of flood kits, flood and drowning rescue, flood hygiene, first aid, and much more.

"We will also show how people can prevent their beloved pets from drowning by just using plastic bottles."

Bala added that the public will get hands-on experience at the campaign as they do not believe in just handing out flyers.

For details on the MVFRA or the Flood Survival and Drowning Risk Awareness Campaign 2013, call 03-9200 1994.

Learn to stay afloat in a flood
Publication: NST
Date of publication: Nov 23, 2013
Section heading: Streets
Page number: 002


KUALA LUMPUR: THERE is always more than meets the eye, like how a plastic bottle can save a life. Which is what visitors to the flood survival and drowning risk awareness campaign 2013 will get to learn.

The campaign will be organised by the Malaysian Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (MVFRA) and the Road Safety Marshal Club at Cheras Leisure Mall here tomorrow at 10am to 6pm.

The aim of the one-day campaign is to prepare the public for floods and teach them ways to prevent drowning. MVFRA chairman Captain K. Balasupramaniam believes that education is most important in times of a disaster, natural or otherwise.

"In times of peace, prepare for war," said the safety activist, affectionately known as Bala.

The MVFRA has extensive experience and expertise in search-and-rescue operations -- from earthquakes and tsunamis to fires and floods.

Since its inception 21 years ago, MVFRA has been involved in flood rescue and relief operations both locally and internationally.

"During a flood, our priority is to evacuate the sick, elderly, young children and the disabled," said Bala, adding that people in these priority groups would be evacuated with the association's two duck boats, while the rest would be given life jackets.

"Once people have been evacuated to the relief centre, they will be given medical attention such as hypothermia treatment and food.

"Every year, we are involved in evacuation and relief efforts in flood affected areas such as Parit Sulong, Hulu Langat, Johor, Terennganu, Pahang, Perlis and Melaka. As a member of the Federation of World Volunteer Firefighters Associations, the services of the MVFRA are also called upon for large-scale international disasters.

"Our search-and-rescue teams can reach ground zero in 48 hours, where we will assist for up to 21 days.

"To date, we have assisted in Thailand's 2011 floods, and the 2009 Typhoon Ketsana in the Philippines." After victims are evacuated, MVFRA will donate and also reach out to the public through friends and social media to collect and distribute essentials such as food, baby milk powder and clothes, among others, to those affected.

Tucked away in a small corner of Cheras, the MVFRA's "mini fortress" houses a fire engine, boats, off-road bikes, rescue dogs and a treasure trove of search-and-rescue equipment, but for Bala, education is the one that really makes the difference.

"During a flood, we need people to be MacGyvers, so that they know what to do and can help others," adding that this was why the campaign was so important.

During the campaign, Bala and his fellow team members will demonstrate how cost-effective methods can be used to secure items during floods.

There will be 20 stations, each teaching visitors techniques such as SOS signaling, preparation of flood kits, flood and drowning rescue, flood hygiene, first aid, and much more.

"We will also show how people can prevent their beloved pets from drowning by just using plastic bottles."

Bala added that the public will get hands-on experience at the campaign as they do not believe in just handing out flyers.

For details on the MVFRA or the Flood Survival and Drowning Risk Awareness Campaign 2013, call 03-9200 1994.

~ NST

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