DISASTER MANAGEMENT
One of the biggest challenges during any disaster or emergency is to be prepared for a wide range of contingencies. One of the most sobering lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic is the realisation that disasters can befall any community at any time. While infectious diseases represent one form of disaster, it could just as readily be a hurricane, earthquake, flood, or chemical spill. A disaster is any event that seriously disrupts a community or society’s ability to function. The impact of a disaster may be in the form of losses to human life, economy or ecology. Emergency management, also referred to as disaster management, means preparing for potential calamities and responding to them as quickly, strategically, and effectively as possible. Typically, this involves following the basic disaster management cycle, which comprises five crucial stages.
The five Stages of the Disaster-Management Cycle
When properly implemented, the disaster-management cycle can lessen the impact of a catastrophic event. It can also incorporate the policies and emergency responses needed for a full, expedited recovery. The cycle involves the following five stages:
o Prevention
The best way to address a disaster is by being pro-active. This means identifying potential hazards and devising safeguards to mitigate their impact. Although this stage in the cycle involves
putting permanent measures into place that can help minimize disaster risk, it’s important to acknowledge that disasters can’t always be prevented. Implementing an evacuation plan in our school, for example, showing teachers how to lead students to safety in the event of a fire. In this regard, frequent demonstrations are given by the skilled fire-fighters of Khadki Cantonment board.
o Mitigation
Mitigation aims to minimize the loss of human life that would result from a disaster. Both structural and non-structural measures may be taken. Non-structural measures involve adopting or
amending building codes to optimize safety for all future building construction.
o Preparedness
Preparedness is an ongoing process in which individuals, students and teachers can plan and train for what they’ll do in the event of a disaster. Preparedness is defined by ongoing training, evaluating and corrective action, ensuring the highest level of readiness. Fire drills, active- shooter drills and evacuation rehearsals.
o Response
Response is what happens after the disaster occurs. It involves both short and long-term responses. The team of teachers In-charge of disaster management coordinate the use of resources (including personnel, supplies and equipment) to ensure personnel and environmental safety, as well as to minimize the risk of any additional property damage.
o Recovery
This stage is about helping individuals, students, teachers, parents and organizations return to normal or a new normal depending on the impact of the disaster.
PM SHRI KV RHE KHADKI PUNE takes into an account all the aforementioned steps for disaster management to ensure the safety of the students and staff of the Vidyalaya.