question_answer 1)

Look out for similar accidents/disasters that have affected the schools namely the Dabwali fire, earthquakes in Pakistan and India and the recent earthquake in China. Identify the lessons learnt and the role that schools can play to reduce the impact of such events.  

Answer:

Lessons learnt from disasters are many. The first requirement is construction of disaster resistant buildings for schools, homes, etc. These should be constructed in 'safe' areas. The people must be properly sensitised and trained in the steps to be taken for disaster mitigation.   Post disaster measures required are in three phases—   (a) Immediate These include evacuation to safer places, emergency shelter provision, search and rescue operations, provision of food and water, restoration of communication links, medical assistance, relief disbursement, debris clearance, etc.   (b) Short Term These include damage assessment, re-establishment of communities and necessary financial assistance to the needy.   (c) Long Term These include setting up effective warning signaling systems, public .education and awareness, construction of safe structures following building regulations, etc.   Role of Schools Schools have been found as the key element for the community involvement in many countries. Schools not only provide education to the children, a strong school also helps in emergency shelters immediately after a disaster.   Through a school-strengthening program, a community based training program can be formulated to spread the knowledge of disaster preparedness and mitigation. The students of the school can transmit the knowledge gained to their family members, thus improving the awareness of the community as a whole.