“The techies here not only participate in evacuation and fire drills but are also given demonstrations on the use of ammunition. Employees are identified and given the role of fire marshals and guides who can, if required, lead a group out into safety in case of any terror attack or hostage crisis,” says Manager (Administration), Tech Mohindra, Harinder Singh.

From steps on avoiding panic during a terror attack, to ensuring a minimum injury, the drill is exhaustive, adds an IT professional Ranjit Puri. “The employees are mentally trained to spot any outsider or suspicious object,” says Puri.

Taking a cue from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s latest ruling of compulsory bi-annual fire audits for high-rise buildings, the city-based companies are also working on similar lines.

“At present I am conducting security and fire audits for about eight companies in the city. Compared to last year, the figure this time round is very high,” says Chairman of the Central Association of Private Security Industry, Kuanwar Vikram Singh.

“We feel the need for better security and therefore make customised training plans accordingly,” says Singh.

For security training centres like Safety Circle, these are days of brisk business. “The training ranges from 8 to 18 hours and the course costs Rs 1,250 per person,” says Senior Manager (Business Development) Amit Kaudal while adding that they are currently conducting lessons for the employees of Infosys, Dell and Ind swift, among others.