Guardians of Safety: Assessing Awareness and Preparedness of Teachers along with School Initiatives for Disaster Risk Reduction

Schools are the foundational pillars of society, shaping the future of the nation. Ensuring the safety and security of students and staff is vital; however, it has been observed that schools are among the most vulnerable institutions during disasters. The present survey aimed to explore teachers’ awareness and preparedness for disaster risk reduction related to earthquakes and fire hazards in schools. Additionally, it assesses the availability of resources allocated for earthquake and firebreak preparedness in schools. The study was conducted on a sample of 553 primary and secondary school teachers from various schools in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. The findings reveal that the majority (80.39%) of teachers are familiar with the evacuation routes in the school; however, only 29.40% have received training for the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique needed for earthquake risk reduction. 37.25% of teachers have received training in using fire extinguishers or fire alarms in schools. Significantly, few schools (41.09%) reported that mock drills were held regularly to train students in emergencies. A concerning gap prevailed in the training of teachers and students regarding disaster risk reduction in schools. Key findings indicate an urgent need for comprehensive, hands-on training programs for teachers at both pre-service and in-service levels. In conclusion, the survey emphasises the critical need to prioritise DRR activities in schools and teacher education institutions while also investing swiftly in the preparedness of teachers. By providing the necessary skills and resources, schools can significantly enhance teachers’ capacity to protect the lives and well-being of students during unforeseen circumstances.