UNICEF: Disaster preparedness in the Philippines

http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/philippines_52260.html

ALBAY PROVINCE, Philippines, 24 December 2009 At the ringing of the bell, staff, students and their parents at the San Jose Elementary School know exactly what to do. They have practiced this drill before and know that in this disaster-prone corner of the Philippines, it is an exercise that could one day save lives. For behind this school, shrouded in mist and steam, is the Mount Mayon volcano a permanent reminder of potential danger.

While students file outside into the yard, some of the children carry books and teaching materials to a safe room. They then simulate how they would be evacuated if this was a real emergency.

In a specially-built block of classrooms, the evacuees set about removing partitions, desks and chairs to create a roomy space. This block was built with UNICEF's help as an evacuation centre in times of emergency.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• UNICEF
• Philippines
• disaster
• schools
• education
• children
• TABI