ISA Social
MANAGING DISASTERS
- Workshop and scout selection
- Slogan writing and poster making
- Mock drill: fire & earthquake
- Fire department- demo and training
- Morning assembly
- Neighbourhood walk
- Human chain – the power of connecting
- Skype - Video Conference
WORKSHOP AND SCOUT SELECTION
“Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy.”
Class XI
Activity: Training students and selecting a team
Workshop on the impact of natural and manmade disasters with special focus on preventing causalities due to fire and earthquake was organised for students of class XI. A scout team was selected and updated about the policy/plans of evacuation. The students were trained in mitigation, response, and preparedness in eventuality of a disaster and demonstration of different types of drills and alarms was carried out. The scout team then briefed the students of all classes of the potential causes and effects of fire and earthquakes and to follow the plan of escape routes for evacuation in case of any eventuality.
SLOGAN WRITING AND POSTER MAKING
“Preparedness is the ultimate confidence builder.”
Class XI
Activity: Research and congregation of knowledge
Slogan writing and poster making was conducted in the school premises. The students were allotted the countries Nepal, Bangladesh and Afghanistan for case study. They took three days to complete the research work and came up with innovative, amazing creativity ideas that showcased their immense knowledge and talent. The objective of the activity was to make the learners understand the different methodology adopted by partner countries. The activity aimed at creating awareness among general masses and developing problem solving skills. The activity was successfully concluded wherein the students developed a sense of friendliness, belongingness and team spirit. They also learnt to develop strategic planning which also enhanced their vocabulary, creativity and problem solving skills.
MOCK DRILL: FIRE & EARTHQUAKE
“Preparedness is the calm before, during and after the storm.”
Class LKG -XII
Activity: Research and congregation of knowledge
Mock fire drills and evacuation drills were executed for the entire school to create awareness and preparedness during calamities. The students were trained to be alert, quick and responsible, follow instructions, maintain calm and avoid panic to avert stampede and casualties. The main aim of the drill was to build courage and confidence amongst students and develop leadership skills.
The staff members and the scout team positioned themselves at pre decided vantage points to guide and assist the students as soon as the fire alarm went off. The students quickly moved out in proper lines, covering their nose. They were evacuated from the school building in 5 minutes 17 seconds as regular evacuation drills are being conducted every month. Students are trained to reach the safe designated areas allocated for each class in case of any emergency. Head count was done by the class teachers to ensure the presence of everyone. Special training has been imparted to the staff members to handle crisis and give first-aid relief if required.
An earthquake drill and preparedness activity was also conducted to apprise everyone on how to perform – Drop Cover and Hold-on, a quake safe action designed to protect lives and prevent injuries from falling and flying objects.
The drills focused on activation of the full response system, incorporated decision making and life safety aspects and was followed by a review session.
FIRE DEPARTMENT- DEMO AND TRAINING
‘Safety is not a gadget but a state of mind.’
Classes: VI- XII
Activity- Demonstration Drill
Experts from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services were invited to give a demonstration. They came equipped with the fire engine and professional fire safety equipment to sensitize the staff and the students about the life saving and rescue techniques in case of fire. They appreciated the level of preparedness by the school – the floor wise detailed evacuation plan that indicates the path to be followed during evacuation displayed at all prominent points on each floor, the fire extinguishers at strategic points and conduction of mock drills regularly. They were highly impressed with the staff members and students knowledge in the ability to use the fire extinguishers.
The objective of the exercise was to create awareness among the students regarding fire fighting techniques and the ways to respond swiftly in times of any emergency situation.
MORNING ASSEMBLY
‘Knowledge is of no use until you put it into practice’
Classes- III-XII
Activity- Awareness Drive
A special Morning Assembly was organized to make the students aware about managing unforeseen disasters. The students of Class XI presented a Short Skit to apprise the students of the mistakes generally committed during disasters. The skit sent across the message that theoretical knowledge is rarely put into practical usage which sometimes results in increased casualties. The main focus was to alert the students that they should follow rules and instructions, be quick and responsible, remain calm and NOT PANIC during any calamity to avert stampede and disasters. The students were encouraged to be courageous and confident. This was followed by a question answer session to assess the understanding of the students.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WALK
‘Every person who prepares is one less who panics’
Class 11 and Residents of the Neighbourhood
Activity: Survey and Walk
Students went from door to door in the neighbouring societies to create community awareness and undertake a survey for checking the general level of preparedness during the outbreak of fire or earthquake. The citizens filled up the survey forms and happily interacted with the students. The students brought up the issues of household survival plans, keeping emergency equipments handy and promptness of reaction during calamities. The need for regular electricity and gas maintenance, proper evacuation plan along with safety drills was promoted through interaction and group discussion.
The society members appreciated the efforts of the students and thanked them for their eye opener survey. Many who were not aware of the mitigation, response and preparedness thanked the students for imparting knowledge. They assured the students that they would hold regular society meeting to apprise the society members of the evacuation plan to be followed during emergencies.
HUMAN CHAIN – THE POWER OF CONNECTING
‘Awareness is the golden link by which society is bound together.’
Students, parents, staff and general public
Activity – Connecting people for a common cause.
The students invited people from all walks of life to form a human chain to create awareness in mitigation, response and preparedness during disasters. They conveyed a strong message to the people to remain united during calamities, keeping away mobiles and being helpful rather than recording. People enthusiastically participated in the formation of the human chain which stretched around the entire school boundary covering the DDA market and neighbouring societies. Everyone enjoyed getting inked that marked their participation. Survey forms filled by the participants showed their enthusiastic willingness. The main objective was to connect people, transform the community, build a movement and create lasting change for good with a motto to save lives.
SKYPE-VIDEO CONFERENCE
‘Gaining knowledge, is the first step to wisdom. Sharing it, is the first step to humanity’.
Class X1
The students had an amazing opportunity to collaborate with Kanjirowa National Secondary School, Nepal on the common topic Managing Disasters. The interaction via a Skype call for the Project Management ofDisasters in Nepal and India enabled them to share the knowledge gained over the month and brief the partner school about the activities that had been undertaken during the course. The activities shared were discussed in detail..The Power Point Presentation that was prepared by students was highly appreciated by the partner school. They also appreciated the initiative of Neighborhood Walk and the Human Chain formed to create awareness and involve the common man in case of disaster. The partner school was impressed by the evacuation drillsconducted in the school to instill in pupils the need for disaster preparedness. Nepal being earthquake prone has issued warnings to the people to be alert and prepared round the clock. Their level of preparedness and evacuation methodologies adopted inspired all the students to follow the same. The students had a healthy discussion on the level of preparedness in their respective schools, the steps taken by the authorities of both countries and the role of students and the common man. The session not only helped to bridge the physical divide but also helped to share projects, polish language skills, exchange information and enhance the understanding of global issues.