Shimla, August 18: A school safety and preparedness programme was organised at St. Thomas School, Shimla, on Tuesday to sensitise students and staff about disaster response, emergency preparedness and life-saving techniques.
The programme was conducted by Sub-Team 14-A of the 14th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) from 10 am to 12:30 pm under the guidance of Dr Pushpendra Rana, Director-cum-Special Secretary (Revenue and Disaster Management), Government of Himachal Pradesh.
The training session covered key aspects of disaster preparedness, including earthquake safety and the Drop-Cover-Hold technique, earthquake alerts available on Android phones, fire safety, CPR, first aid and foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) response.
Participants were also given practical demonstrations on preparing improvised floating devices, making stretchers from locally available materials, emergency carrying techniques and the use of early-warning applications.
Dr Krishan Chand, Training and Capacity Building Specialist, Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), coordinated the programme. St. Thomas School Principal Ms Shreon Nanda and Gaurav Kumar, In-charge of the District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC), DDMA Shimla, were also present.
A total of 177 participants attended the programme, including 148 students, 22 teachers and seven non-teaching staff members.
The programme aimed to strengthen disaster preparedness among the school community and equip students and staff with practical skills to respond effectively during emergencies.
