What to do in cases of disaster
With the Philippines being prone to natural calamities, having a plan when disaster occurs could save lives. It does not do well to simply rely on the usual fire extinguisher/police and fire phone numbers/politician-backed assistance. The school should also know what to do, first and foremost. So here are a few tips that could help in case disaster strikes:
Initial reactions
Teachers, being the people students go to in times of crises, should set an example in emergency situations. They should be calm, alert, informed and responsive. With this, at least, the school personnel can minimize the damage by not elevating an emergency into a hysterical disaster.
Bomb threat
- When the school gets a bomb threat phone call, they should gather all information and report it to the proper authorities.
- Protect the evidence and try tracing the call (so keep the caller on the line as long as possible or listen for background noises and try to determine the caller's age and sex).
- After reporting it, continue classroom activities while awaiting instructions.
- If a room search will be conducted, make sure not to touch suspicious items and cellular telephone and radio transmitter use should be discontinued as well.
- In cases of evacuation, students can be told to either leave as they are or they could bring their belongings with them.
Earthquake
Since earthquakes strike anytime, the first concern is to protect students by getting everyone under cover.
- Calmly advise them to hide beneath a desk, table or bench, or to cover their heads.
- Stay away from outside walls, glass, overhead electrical wiring or windows.
- Make sure all doors are left open.
- Stay in the protective position until the earthquake stops.
- Be prepared for aftershocks.
- If outside the building during the earthquake, go to any open place, a safe distance from the building.
Fire
- When fires are first detected through visible flames or smoke, or the smell of smoke, sound the fire alarm immediately.
- Evacuations should be done through the buddy system using the primary evacuation route.
- The teacher can help more by calmly advising students to stay low and avoid breathing smoke.
- Fire extinguishers should be used only when assisting the evacuation or if the fire is small and confined to the place where it started.
Flood
- Most of the time, storm warnings are promptly issued so be updated by tuning in to the local radio and television stations regularly. Students would most likely be at home during times like these; they should stay inside.
- But if they are caught in the middle of a storm while still inside school premises, be prepared to evacuate to higher ground when advised by authorities.
- Steer clear of areas prone to flash flooding.
Traumatic death or injury of a student or staff member
- The first thing that should be done is make sure the office is informed so they can call for help.
- Then perform life-saving procedures if trained or qualified for it.
- If there is a deceased, secure the property, while taking into account which traumatized students need counseling.
- Try to continue classroom operations as normal so as not to escalate the incident into something more alarming.
Emergency supplies
- a battery powered radio
- flashlights with fresh batteries
- first aid kits with emergency medications
- charged cellular phone
- water stored in unbreakable containers
- two-week supply of food that doesn't need refrigeration (usually canned goods)
- sheets of plastic and duct tape
- fire extinguishers
- hand sanitizer or alcohol
- and if necessary, a shovel and flares
Anticipate also other cases such as biological emergencies, suicides, chemical accidents or power failures.
The most important thing to remember is to be prepared. It would only be a waste of facilities, lives and time if all the preparation comes after a major accident or disaster has already occurred.
Sources:
“Emergency Standard Operating Guidelines For Classrooms.” Retrieved May 1, 2008 from http://education.umkc.edu/Safe-School/documents/Classroom%20SOG.pdf
“Your Best Protection is Preparation.” Retrieved May 1, 2008 from http://www.sonoma-county.org/health/ph/phpreparedness/community/index.htm#preparation
(Published 05 May 2008, Smart Schools Program)
