Field Trips ＼ Evacuation Experience Camp

Evacuation Experience Camp
We booked for the MRT Evacuation Experience Camp one afternoon. We got on the MRT at Shilin Station on Xinyi-Tamsui Line and got off at Fuxinggang Station. When we walked on the long bridge leading to Beitou Depot, we were amazed at the MRT train tracks intertwined in front of us.

As soon as we entered the Evacuation Experience Center, we saw a lot of interactive game devices for visitors to learn about the fire. Then a humorous young man gave us a tour guide around the center. He used to work for the fire department. He said that it is very important to learn how to operate the fire extinguisher because it can save your life if accidents happen. Then we practiced using the fire extinguishers in turn. We were surprised to know that there is dry ice, not dry powder, inside the fire extinguisher, and the loud sound from the nozzle shocked us when we heard it for the first time. Our tour guide switched the screens to various backgrounds like the MRT stations, platforms, and train carriages, etc., and we needed to put out the fire on the screen.

The entrance of MRT Evacuation Experience Center	Interactive game devices
Learning how to use fire extinguishers	Practicing using fire extinguishers

Later on, we came to the simulated platform and train carriage. In the driver’s cockpit is a controlled panel with a great number of buttons and heavy handlebars. We were so curious that we pressed the buttons and the handlebar, acting like a real driver. The tour guide explained to us how to solve problems and escape from the MRT if emergency happened. People can use the emergency intercom to talk to the driver or the station staff. The door can be easily open with the barometric valve outside the train carriage when the power is off. If it does not work, passengers can use the safety door of the steering room as an exit to the emergency passage. There are three tracks of the MRT; two for high-capacity MRT steel wheels and the other is for electricity. We were so excited that we took a picture on the tracks.

Emergency call button on the platform	Tring the intercom and stopping button
The emergency open knob outside the train	The driver’s cockpit
The safety door of the steering room is an exit	An exit for the emergency passengers
The energized track is protected by an insulating case	Walking on the tracks

The last stop left us with the most thrilling impression from the tour. While the tour guide was introducing, the smoke was quietly generated and accumulated in the Smoke Safety Room beside us. We could not see anything because the room was filled with heavy smoke. Mirrors and glasses disturbed our vision, and there was no way to tell from the direction. We felt like we were in a maze and worst of all, we got separated. I calmed myself down and decided to follow the emergency green light on the wall. I felt the wall while walking and luckily I got out. I felt wonderful to finally see the light after I stayed in the dark for such a long time. However, one of my teammates was trapped in the dark smoky room. He lost his way and was confused by the glasses. Only when the mists descended did he find his way out. He was pretty scared by the time we saw him.

Our tour guided reminded us once again of the rules of fire escape at the end of the tour. In the meanwhile, he reminded us what the fire fighters do is very dangerous. He hoped that we could pay more attention to our life and avoid fires.