Shanghai Daily news

Schools 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.