Major earthquakes can cause unprecedented catastrophes. With earthquakes as an expected part of our future, school should make plans and take actions to ensure that disasters do not become upheaval. Hence, earthquake drill is the opportunity to practice how to protect ourselves.
To engage the pupils to the drill which is designed for life safety, all Public Schools are required to conduct an earthquake drill. The objective of this activity is to inform the pupils how to get out of their school building in designated time during earthquakes and to train the building occupants on how to react to any unforeseen emergency situations and scenarios. This is the most important type of preparedness of pupils in case an earthquake occurs.
Before the start of the drill, the pupils should be informed on the actual conduct of an earthquake drill. The information regarding the do’s and don’ts during the drill should also be given. The actions that should be done before, during and after earthquake must be clearly given out to the students. The purpose of orientation is to help students and school staffs learn how to react appropriately at the first indication of ground shaking. Hence, everybody should know where to seek shelter, how to protect themselves, and what to do immediately afterwards.
During the simulation, one minute strong bell must be heard. This signifies that the earthquake drill will have to start so proper and expected actions must be done
During the activity, the children have to perform a “Drop, Cover and Hold on” position which is the appropriate action to reduce injury and death during earthquakes. They have to get out of the room and must proceed to the designated safe place. The teachers should make a headcount while they are on the ground to know if somebody is missing.
The evacuation team must check the number of evacuees and casualties. Then the missing number of persons must be reported to the communication team.
The incident commander should be informed by the communication team about the happenings on the designated area. After getting the data, the rescuers and first aid team must be instructed by the incident commander to find the missing person or casualties.
Practicing what to do can make the proper response easier to remember and faster to accomplish.
Aside from the drill, school physical facilities should be regularly monitored and maintained. Even the shakeout drill is greatly performed; the school amenities should also give more attention because these are the places where the children are staying in the whole day.
By: Jennifer A. Quiroz | Master Teacher I | Cataning Elementary School
