School and universities were ordered to provide a compulsory class on emergency survival in the wake of two deadly accidents on campuses, according to a notice released by the Shanghai Education Commission yesterday.

Kindergartens, primary and middle schools, universities and other public or private schools were also ordered to check fire facilities and fire escapes. Any problems must be rectified immediately, the notice said.

Meanwhile, inspections of electrical wiring in boarding schools and densely populated school sites will be carried out. Temporary or substandard housing without fire control permits were banned as teaching sites, the bureau said.

Community and adult schools were also included in the measures.

The survival class will focus on how individuals can avoid accidents and how to respond to emergencies. Staff will be invited to schools to analyze the cause of some accidents and teach students anti-disaster and rescue skills.

On November 14, four female students at Shanghai Business School fell to their deaths from their sixth-floor balcony during a fire. A small heater may have started the blaze, according to police.

Shanghai Business School has a budget of several million yuan to update its safety facilities next semester, according to Feng Weiguo, vice president of the school.

The day before the fire, a truck's tire burst near the entrance to the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law. The tire hit a group of students, killing one and injuring two others.

Officials from the community office of Tianping Road in Xuhui District said they put great emphasis on safeguarding residents' security, including those who attend a local school where seniors take piano, English and calligraphy classes.

"We are working on fire prevention awareness in winter and strengthening the supervision of facilities," said an official surnamed Chen from the community office.

"The community school is supposed to be open to all residents and it is of great importance to keep everyone safe while they enjoy life and study," Chen said.

(Shanghai Daily November 29, 2008)