Disaster Management in schools THE OFFICE of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management each year visits at least fifty schools across the island sensitising staff and students about the dangers associated with different hazards. Time, personnel and material resources do not allow the organisation to function as much as their mandate dictates and so the project team of the Community Disaster Management Strengthening Project (CDMP) saw the need to carry out a comprehensive programme in schools in the project areas. It was out of this desire that a seminar for Teachers in Disaster Management was held November 2000, with the aim of integrating disaster management fully in school's curriculum. Teachers trained were expected to educate other members of staff and skilfully incorporating the subject in their daily lessons. Approximately 18 teachers were trained in the areas of Hazard Mapping, Contingent Planning and even Finding Disaster Management Information on the Web. The seminar received the full support of the Ministry of Education who was represented by Mr. L. Wilson. In his address he lauded the ODPEM for their efforts in making the country a disaster ready one and stressed the importance of sensitising the school population as he sees them as the most vulnerable in times of disasters. The programme in school continued with much success as the community trainer was invited to sensitise the rest of staff and students in schools represented. It was noticed that some schools were grossly overcrowded which could result in serious injuries in the event of an earthquake as students do not have adequate space to protect themselves during earthquake drills, coupled with this, blackboards without any support are used to separate classrooms which can topple easily either by force of the earthquake or frantic children running for safety. Fire Research has revealed that the Ministry of Education includes the need to have fire extinguishers in their safety policy for schools but despite this, extinguishers are noticeably absent which is mainly due to absence of funding. Noticeable also, were fire hydrants that were not working. It was recommended that the schools seek funding for extinguishers as soon as possible and have both hydrants and extinguishers checked at least twice per year. Meetings are held with the parents to sensitise them to their vulnerability to the different hazards and necessary precautions they should take in emergencies. With the enthusiasm of the staff, parents and students in the project areas, the project will continue to have much success in the future. As the saying goes, "and a child shall lead them...", probably the integration of disaster management in the schools curriculum is the answer to the strengthening of the disaster management network islandwide. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, in the recent Portmore simulation exercise, included persons with disabilities in the said community. This initiative came out of an increasing awareness of the vulnerability of this group. The disabled, by nature of their situation, have a special status in an emergency as they are dependent on the help of others, and or technical aids will need the assistance, in times of disasters. There are those who are even more vulnerable because they suffer from more than one disability. Recognising that this situation exists, is the first step in the move to assist the more vulnerable in our society. At the community level, community members will have to ensure that the needs of every citizen including the disabled are met. Able-bodied persons should be given the task of caring and looking out for these persons when disaster strikes, as they are not able to respond to incidences like others do. Alerting Japan, for instance, has mechanisms in place in their hotels for persons with disabilities. The technology used is not complicated either but simply a manipulation of available resources, for example, in an emergency, the televisions automatically turn on, enabling persons who might be hearing impaired to see the image while a blind person at the same time can understand instantly that something is wrong. Local hotels Beaches, Couples, Sandals to name a few cater for persons with disabilities despite limited resources by training staff, installing special alarms, ramps, wheelchairs and placing persons with disabilities on the ground level. Similarly, community members discuss with the disabled, ways of alerting others to their emergency situations by the simple flicking of a switch for a sustained period or the blowing of a whistle for someone who is physically challenged. It points in one direction preparedness. Buses are now equipped to carry passengers with disabilities, which is certainly an advantage for disaster managers in an evacuation for example, as the disabled will be able to move quickly and easily with the introduction of this type of technology. It is a challenge now to have local shelters checked to ensure that they are adequately equipped to accommodate persons with different disabilities and for disaster managers to be adequately trained in meeting the needs of the disabled group. Recognising that persons with disabilities, though they might require special attention, do not like the feeling of dependence on any one or any group, it is important that they be fully incorporated in plans for the community as they can be used to assist each other in these times. The Portmore Simulation exercise has taught us at ODPEM that the disabled are valuable resources in disaster planning as they share their experiences and concerns about their safety in emergencies. Meeting with them, discussing their needs, sensitising the public of these needs and including them in disaster plans will certainly result in a higher degree of preparedness for everyone!
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