Students from across St Elizabeth recently participated in a series of earthquake drills, which tested their readiness for the natural disaster.
The exercises formed part of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) Earthquake Awareness Campaign.
Eight-year-old Demar Cunningham, like his fellow schoolmates, demonstrated the “drop, cover and hold on” technique in his classroom at Burnt Savannah Primary School on the day.
He noted the importance of the technique, as “you can get [hurt] by anything falling”.
Moreover, evacuating to an assembly point in an open area is crucial, said Demar, who said that the safety measures taught at school could easily be applied at home to further drive home the value of these exercises in everyday life.
The practical aspect of the drills also left a lasting impression on Demar’s peer, Roannsiya Samuels. She recounted how the school conducted a headcount after the students gathered in the playfield to ensure everyone was present.
“Thanks to those who came out here for the demonstration,” she said.
At Newcombe Valley Primary School, grade-five student, Kimanique Campbell, had a clear understanding of the safety procedures. With the crucial safety practices embedded in her young mind, she along with her peers were able to demonstrate how these drills are to be executed in the school.
“It is important to know about earthquakes because it will keep us safe,” the student noted.
“I learned how to evacuate from [the classroom], but when I first hear the earthquake alarm, I know to drop, cover and hold on. You continue this until you hear another alarm, and then you will evacuate the classroom and come to the assembly point,” she added.
For Schoolfield Primary and Infant School, the students expressed gratitude for the earthquake drill. In fact, grade-two student, Omando Forbes, said that he “wants to say thanks to all the persons that came here today. I learned a lot”.
The initiative in the parish involved multiple stakeholders, including the Jamaica Fire Brigade and St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, among other stakeholders who contributed to the day’s success.
Earthquake drills are promoted in schools, businesses, and other locations throughout January each year.
