Fire alarms rang out at I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc Headquarters, on the morning of Friday, December 6, prompting a swift evacuation of people led by fire marshals and security guards.

Employees, customers, and nine tenants were guided to a designated assembly point near the building, descending through the stairs as elevators were strictly off-limits during the drill. It was soon revealed that the alarm was part of a planned exercise to test staff's readiness and preparedness for fire incidents or similar emergencies.

ALSO READ: I&M Bank, Kaizenvest bring affordable loans to Rwanda’s education sector

The exercise was conducted in collaboration with Rwanda National Police and Fire Brigade, who provided practical training to I&M Bank employees, customers, and the building&039;s tenants on effectively responding to such situations.

The gathering crowd was shown how to use fire extinguishers, which are strategically placed throughout the workplace, ensuring everyone understood their importance and how to operate them during an emergency.

Gilbert Rusagara, the Security Manager at I&M Bank Rwanda, commended the successful execution of the safety drill, emphasising the importance of preparedness in emergencies such as fire incidents.

"This initiative went well; people actively participated in the evacuation, and the way they handled it was commendable. There are always areas for improvement because we learn every day.”

ALSO READ: I&M Bank Rwanda launches &039;Karame' campaign with 24-hour retail loan response

"Today, we might have achieved a certain percentage of our performance, but next time, we will aim for 100 per cent in teaching people how to handle such situations," he said.

Rusagara said the Bank is committed to safety through regular training sessions.

"Every year, we conduct trainings focused on first aid and firefighting. It’s an annual practice, not only to refresh everyone’s knowledge but also to onboard new employees and tenants, ensuring they are equipped to respond appropriately," he said.

He explained the role of fire marshals and security guards during emergencies, describing how they collaborate to ensure smooth evacuations.

"We have over 30 fire marshals across the building, and their responsibility is to prioritise the evacuation of vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, children and people with disabilities. They ensure everyone is safely out before exiting the building themselves.

"Security guards also play a critical role, especially in guiding people not to use elevators during incidents," he explained.

Police officers were present to remind and educate staff, customers, and tenants about their role in fire incidents. They also demonstrated the equipment they use in such situations. An ambulance from Rwanda Biomedical Centre was on standby to address any health issues, ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved.

Rusagara emphasised the importance of such initiatives in fostering a culture of safety and preparedness in the workplace.

"These trainings are critical, and we’ll continue to improve them to ensure that everyone knows exactly how to respond during emergencies," he said.