A two-day Disaster Management Training for First Responders commenced on February 26 at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur, organized by Directorate of Information and Public Relations Office. The programme aims to strengthen emergency preparedness, response skills, and coordination during disasters.
The training brought together journalists and media personnel from print, electronic, and digital platforms on Day 1, while Day 2 will be attended by in-service officials and staff of the Information & Public Relations (IPR) Department.
The first session on Day 1 was moderated by Achumo Khuvung, LDA, Directorate of Information and Public Relations focused on the topic, “Role of Media in Disaster Management.” The session was led by Keren Rose, Assistant Manager, Media & Public Relations, NSDMA, Government of Nagaland.
Rose emphasized that responsible journalism can save save lives and described the media as a key partner in disaster governance. She stated that accurate, timely and verified information during emergencies helps prevent panic, reduces misinformation, and ensures that critical safety instructions reach affected communities.
Highlighting the importance of ethical reporting, she outlined key do’s and don’ts for journalists covering disasters. She urged media personnel to verify information from official sources before publishing, promote preparedness and safety guidelines, fact-check casualty figures, use official communication channels for updates, and provide context about disaster causes and prevention.
At the same time, she cautioned against spreading rumours or unverified social media content, sensationalizing tragedies for ratings, disclosing victims’ identities without consent, obstructing emergency operations, or exaggerating damage and casualty figures.
She also covered ethical guidelines for journalists, including truthfulness and integrity, respect for privacy and dignity, humanitarian and empathetic reporting, and awareness of compassion fatigue. Participants were encouraged to maintain compassion and respect for affected communities, focus on resilience and recovery in addition to destruction, and avoid intrusive questioning or graphic imagery that exploits suffering.
Rose on the role of media during disasters stressed the need for delivering timely and factual updates, advising the public on safety measures, evacuation routes, and shelter locations, and relaying welfare messages regarding missing persons, relief distribution, and support services.
She also spoke on the National Disaster Management Act, 2005, explaining the structure of disaster management from the national to the district level, including National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA,) District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and response forces such as National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Participants were briefed on how understanding this framework enables journalists to report more accurately and coordinate effectively during crises.
Practical preparedness measures were also discussed, including earthquake safety do’s such as securing heavy objects on lower shelves, keeping emergency kits ready with essential supplies, clearing exit pathways, and identifying safe meeting points for families after a disaster.
The second session, was conducted by Kenny Khing, Fire Prevention & Audit Officer (FPAO), Fire & Emergency Services, Government of Nagaland. He spoke on “Basic Fire Safety & Relevant Section of the Nagaland Fire & Emergency Service Act, 2021,” He stressed the importance of coordinated response during fire and disaster situations. It was informed that under Section 23(3) of the Act, multistoried buildings above 15 meters in height and special buildings such as educational institutions, hospitals, nursing homes, assembly buildings, business establishments, mercantile, industrial, storage and hazardous occupancies must obtain a Fire Safety Certificate (NOC). Mixed occupancies exceeding 500 square meters are also required to secure the certificate for the entire building.
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Referring to Sections 36 and 37, the resource person stated that any individual who willfully obstructs firefighting or rescue operations may face imprisonment up to three months, a fine up to ₹10,000, or both. Giving false fire reports or hoax calls is also punishable under the Act. Fire service personnel responding to emergencies were said to have the “Right of Way” on highways and public roads and are empowered to remove obstructions, close streets near fire sites and break into premises if necessary to carry out rescue and firefighting operations. The department may also requisition police personnel and government ambulance services during emergencies.
Explaining the basic concept of fire, he elaborated on the Fire Triangle and Fire Tetrahedron. The Fire Triangle consists of three essential elements fuel, oxygen and heat while the Fire Tetrahedron adds a fourth component, the chemical chain reaction, which sustains combustion. Citing the NFPA handbook, fire was defined as a rapid chemical oxidation reaction that produces heat and light accompanied by smoke and fumes. It was emphasized that removal of any one of the elements can extinguish a fire.
The life cycle of fire, based on the Powel concept, was also discussed. Six factors fuel, oxygen, input heat, proportioning, mixing and ignition continuity were explained as essential in completing the fire process. Participants were briefed on fire extinction methods, including cooling to eliminate heat, starvation to remove fuel and smothering or blanketing to exclude oxygen.
On fire classification, Khing explained that Class “A” fires involve ordinary combustible solids such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and plastics, while Class “B” fires involve flammable or combustible liquids and greases such as petrol, kerosene, diesel and paints. The classification of fires helps determine the appropriate type of fire extinguisher to be used.
The session also covered LPG and electrical fire hazards. Participants were informed that LPG is heavier than air and poses significant fire and explosion risks. In case of leakage, citizens were advised to open ventilation, switch off the main regulator, avoid using matchsticks or electrical switches and immediately contact the nearest dealer or fire station. Electrical safety measures such as preventing circuit overloading, replacing damaged wiring and using proper-rated fuses were emphasized.
Statistical data shared during the programme revealed that a total of 818 mock drills on fire safety awareness were conducted across the state between 2023 and 2025, covering schools, government offices, markets, churches, hotels, industrial establishments, hospitals, banks and petrol pumps. Fire call records from 2016–17 to January 2026 showed 1,078 residential fire incidents and 556 forest or wildfire incidents, underscoring the need for preventive measures and public awareness.
Highlighting the challenges faced by firefighters, he cited delay in communication, traffic congestion, narrow colony roads, non-compliance with building bylaws, rapid urbanization and the use of highly flammable construction materials. Recurring forest fires and limited firefighting resources were also noted as concerns.
Emphasizing the role of media as first responders, Khing urged journalists to disseminate verified and accurate information, provide precise location details and avoid unverified reporting that may create panic or misinformation. They stressed that responsible reporting can support emergency services and ensure public safety.
On the way forward, he called for improved traffic management to ensure free movement of emergency vehicles, widening of approach roads, strict enforcement of fire safety norms and sensitization programmes in rural areas on forest fire prevention.
Earlier in his welcome address, Seiwatho S. Nyusou Deputy Director, IPR expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, resource persons, journalists and participants for attending the Disaster Management Training organised by the Department. He especially thanked the Director IPR, Dzüvinuo Theünuo for her gracious presence despite a busy schedule and conveyed appreciation to resource persons along with their colleagues for accepting the invitation to share their expertise.
Nyusou also extended his gratitude to journalists and media persons from print, electronic and digital platforms for actively participating in the training. He stated that such programmes are essential from time to time to enhance preparedness, improve coordination and strengthen response mechanisms during emergencies.
He mentioned that this was the first Disaster Management Training organised by DIPR and assured that it would not be the last. More such trainings would be conducted in the future with wider participation from departments such as Health & Medical, Police and Civil Defence.
Highlighting the importance of preparedness, he remarked that disasters often strike without warning. While some man-made disasters can be prevented through caution and responsibility, many natural disasters are beyond human control. Therefore, he stressed the need for constant preparedness to minimise loss of lives and property.
Drawing an analogy with personal health, Nyusou said that just as individuals strive to stay healthy through exercise and preventive care, disaster preparedness is like taking vitamins to strengthen resilience. Being mentally and physically prepared, he said, is crucial to effectively face disasters and reduce their impact.
An interactive question-and-answer session followed, where participants shared experiences and raised queries on crisis reporting.
The session concluded with a hands-on demonstration on fire safety procedures, including the proper use of fire extinguishers and basic emergency response techniques, providing participants with practical exposure and real-time learning experience.
The training programme is designed to equip first responders and communication personnel with the necessary knowledge, legal awareness, and practical skills to respond effectively and responsibly during emergencies and disasters.
Representatives from Fire & Emergency Services, Zhasalie Dy. SP, Er. Ruovivor JE Electrical, Er. Albert also attended the training.
