SAFETY TIPS FOR FLOODS AND OTHER NATURAL EMERGENCIES IN SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

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SAFETY TIPS FOR FLOODS AND OTHER NATURAL EMERGENCIES IN SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

At the end of reading this article, you will know the causes and how to prevent floods during raining seasons. read through. read more

The world is witnessing a period of climate changes which results in extreme weather conditions in unexpected places and periods. Such extreme weather conditions include severe harmattan haze, heavy rains, droughts and floods. of all the conditions, flooding is of more serious concern to schools and school administrators because the intensity can go beyond all forecasts. The consequence is also known to be lethal especially in places with poor drainage facilities.

SAFETY TIPS FOR FLOODS

Particularly, July provided graphic lessons in Nigeria of how dangerous flooding can be and why schools in flood-prone areas must factor in flood emergency response plans in the school emergency preparedness efforts. On July many Nigerian coastal and inland cities experience serious flooding resulting from heavy rains and overflow of River Niger and Benue. By mid-July, the city of Ibadan experiences serious flooding, washing away roads and bridges. By the end of July 2012, the Lamingo dam in Plateau State overflowed sweeping away homes.

Report from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of Nigeria indicate that 7 million people were affected, 2.3 million were displaced, and over 363 people killed. 597,476 houses were destroyed damage while the economic loss was estimated at about 2.6 trillion Naira. Among the casualties are schools, staff and students.

Observe safety tips as advocated by NEMA

  • Do not build houses or school along with waterway or flood-prone areas.
  • Evacuate from flood-prone areas immediately to safer ground
  • Avoid dumping refuse in gutter/water channels
  • Clear drainages and waterways
  • Adhere to early warning alerts
  • Take warning from relevant authorities serious

Monitor seasonal weather forecasts by metrological agencies. If you are not sure how your school vicinity may be affected call the agency and confirm.

Monitor daily weather forecasts which are usually relayed as part of morning news in many radio and television stations.

Depending on the seriousness of the forecast take precautionary measures of suspending activities, especially outdoor activities, or temporarily closing down the school and sending students home.

Remove all soft and hard copies of critical records of the school and sensitive equipment like computers to safer locations and laboratory equipment.

Reopen or return to the school only when the danger is declared as over by relevant government agencies and approval is granted for the school to resume operations.

 

If you need our update or current information concerning flooding, kindly provide us with your phone number and Email Address in the comment box below. Also, feel free to ask any question pertaining to this guide.

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