FAILING TO PREPARE

SOME schools in Barbados are failing to prepare for natural hazards.

In 2015, the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) completed and presented to the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation its School’s Emergency Operations Plan, designed specifically for local use.

However, according to the DEM’s Director Kerry Hinds, to date, many schools have not adopted the plan with most still only having single hazard plans, such as for fire.

“The Department of Emergency Management has for some time implemented a National Schools’ Programme, which focuses on increasing hazard awareness among the island’s school-aged population and their teachers,” Hinds said. The Director made her point as she addressed her department’s Schools Hurricane Symposium, held at the Queen’s Park Steel Shed.

Despite the efforts by some schools to follow the plan, Hinds said the DEM, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, will continue to assist schools with the adaptation and subsequent annual testing of the model emergency operations plan, in addition to conducting the symposium annually to assist students in learning more about hazards that have the potential to affect Barbados’ landscape.

The DEM head said students should know the main hazards that affect their schools, participate in preparedness drills, have an emergency “go bag” or box in their classrooms, have a preparedness plan, know what to do and how to take care of themselves in an emergency or disaster, and where to evacuate to in an emergency.

The seminar was organised for there to be a better awareness of the need for schools and individuals to have emergency plans, and to encourage increased awareness regarding the hurricane hazard.

Hinds urged the students from various schools, to take an active lead in some of the hurricane preparedness activities at their schools, a task which can also be done at home.

She told them that the seminar was a golden opportunity for them to learn as much as they can about the hurricane hazard and hurricane preparedness, and prompted them to share what they have learnt with some of their school friends and family.

“To all the teachers in the audience, I encourage you to engage your students in the classroom to be able to do well making informed choices and taking the necessary actions when a disaster strikes. Additionally, I ask that you play an active role in making your school a safer place,” Hinds urged. (AH)