When one woman witnessed small children being led outside their school for a fire drill, she expressed concern and took a video of it.
The clip, taken by one Amani Shaynabelle, was later shared on the Singapore Incidents Facebook and Instagram pages. On it, she wrote, “Is this acceptable? Fire Drill Situation at Midview City, kids are not allowed to wear shoes.”
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Numerous small children, barefoot and walking in queues, can be seen led by their teachers and what appear to be teaching assistants or aides. Some adults accompanying the kids were also barefoot, while others looked like they were only wearing socks.
The school in the video is called Chinese Immersion School, as seen from its sign.
“Some adults came forward to tell the teachers that it’s not right to do that,” Ms Amani added.
“You cannot do like that,” one woman can be heard saying.
However, commenters on the Singapore Incidents video pointed out that in the event of a real emergency, such as a fire, there is no time for children to put their shoes on, especially if it’s a group of multiple small children who all need assistance, as what was seen in the clip.
“Ok you clearly have not seen or experienced children wearing shoes they take forever,” one netizen wrote, adding “Even the Teachers are not wearing , so why KPKB about it?
I am pretty sure the Teachers will look out for hazards along the way to make sure the children are safe.”
“Although it’s a fire drill it is supposed to simulate real fire situations. Even now as an adult if we do fire drills we are thought to leave our stuff and go,” wrote another.
One commenter added, “in actual genuine fire situation, guess they’ll follow what they’ve been taught, and find their shoes to put on before they can actually evacuate from danger zones.”
“Whats the point of conducting a firedrill if you want them to wear shoe aka not simulating an actual fire emergency?” asked another.
“If their Teachers got superpowers, just carry all of them and fly away,” wrote one netizen.
/TISG