Disaster Awareness and Safety Measures of Teachers and Pupils in Silangan Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Schools are among the important vehicles for providing children with an effective educational opportunity and for supporting their growth and development. Educators therefore are charged not only with providing a sound education to students, but also with providing them a sound-learning environment. School safety, hence, is a vital factor in learning. Republic Act No. 10121 otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 is an act strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System, providing for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework and institutionalizing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan.

METHODS

Descriptive method of research was used to describe the characteristics of the population or phenomenon being studied. The descriptive method is useful in the analysis of the answers of the respondents concerning the level of awareness regarding natural disasters, safety and disaster - related measures conducted and safety and disaster-related skills needed by the teachers.

RESULTS

The level of awareness of the teachers and pupils regarding earthquakes and tsunamis as very much aware. The awareness regarding why earthquakes, flood and fires happen and its possible dangers showed as highly aware. The pupils were also moderately aware of when earthquakes and tsunamis happen. They said they were very much aware why floods and fires happen and its possible dangers. For the safety measures conducted, the teachers' interpretation was rated “often”. For the safety and disaster-related skills needed by the teachers, it is revealed that the safety disaster-related skills such as first-aid, basic life support, basic electrical safety and emergency response skills were all rated highly important.

DISCUSSIONS

The results of the study show the need of an improved lesson plan where safety and disaster awareness can be incorporated. Afterwards, an assessment of pupils' safety and disaster knowledge should be given after the lesson. The SDRRMC (School Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council) should invite the LGU to assist and evaluate the safety and disaster practices of the school. The chairman and coordinator also need to organize a school-based training for teachers on safety and disaster-related skills. Resource speakers can either be from the LGU or a non-profit private organization.