Disaster and Emergency Preparedness: Guidance for ... - INEE Toolkit

Priority 1: secure items that can kill or injure or block exits (e.g., heavy equipment,heating/cooling units, pipes, storage tanks, overhead lighting, bookshelves,hazardous chemicals, things blocking exits). Note that all exit doors should openoutwards.Priority 2: secure things can cause significant economic or cultural loss, causeinjury, or impair educational continuity (e.g., computers, audio-visual equipment,school awards, and breakables).Priority 3: secure things that, if damaged, can impede recovery.Assessing capacities and resources for mitigation, responseand recoveryYour school community also has manystrengths, capacities and resources thatneed to be identified and mobilized. Asyou read through this guide you will developa good grasp of some of the physicalprotection measures, as well as responseand recovery skills and resources that youwill need. Make a list of all of these needs.Then, in your school community, identifythe people and places with the knowledge,skills, and provisions you need, and find out how you can activate that capacity to reduceyour risks and speed your recovery. Identify resources and problem-solve to fill the gaps. Includename, skills/resources, location and contact information.In terms of knowledge and skills for risk reduction, think about: structural engineers,environmental engineers, safety experts, facilities staff, handymen, plumbers, electricians,builders. For response and recovery, think about: emergency management experts, healthprofessionals, volunteer groups, scouts, women, organizing volunteers, obtaining supplies,communication experts, shelter construction, and supplies management. Find out what responseskills your staff and students already have. Use this assessment to plan for neededtraining to fill the gaps.Finally, consider the provisions you will need for response and recovery. As a rule ofthumb, collectively as a community you should plan to be able to take care of yourselvesfor seven days. Between home, school, and work everyone will need four liters of water perperson/per day, high energy food. As a school community you will be expected to provideleadership in this. Planning for shelter and sanitation and a site for stockpiling communalsupplies are all reasonable expectations from schools.School Disaster Management11