Himachal: HPSDMA conducts disaster management training at Shimla school
Shimla, July 25
The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority organised a comprehensive hands-on disaster management training and demonstration programme at Government Senior Secondary School Chhota Shimla on Saturday, aimed at equipping students, teachers and staff with essential life-saving skills and testing institutional emergency preparedness.
The programme was held under the guidance of Director-cum-Special Secretary (Revenue & Disaster Management) Dr Pushpendera Rana.
As part of the exercise, participants took part in a practical "Drop, Cover, and Hold" earthquake safety drill, which was evaluated by response agency observers. Students and teachers were also provided immediate feedback on the drill.
Officials conducted an operational test of the School Disaster Management Plan and held interactive sessions on preparing Family Disaster Management Plans and emergency survival kits.
The programme also included hands-on training in basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), first aid techniques and fire safety awareness. Participants were given practical demonstrations on operating fire extinguishers and following safe evacuation procedures.
Expert personnel from the Home Guard 3rd Battalion and the Fire Department led live simulations and demonstrated modern emergency response tools.
The exercise was coordinated by Dr Krishan Chand, Training & Capacity Building Specialist from HPSDMA, in collaboration with Ms Anjali Bhardwaj, Nodal Officer of the School Disaster Management Committee and Principal of GSSS Chhota Shimla.
Dr Neha Sharma, Training & Capacity Building Coordinator from DDMA Shimla, and Varsha from the UNDP were also present during the programme.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some practical disaster management training in schools! I remember my school days - we used to just get theoretical lectures. Hands-on CPR and fire extinguisher training is so important. Every school should make this mandatory.
Good to see the involvement of Home Guard and Fire Department experts. But I wonder how many schools in Himachal have such comprehensive plans? We need this in rural areas too, not just Shimla schools. 😕
Kudos to Dr Pushpendera Rana and the whole team! Making emergency survival kits and family disaster plans is something every household in Himachal should learn. We live in earthquake-prone zone - this knowledge is priceless. 🙏
While this is a good move, I feel such trainings should be held more frequently - at least twice a year. One-time demonstration won't create lasting impact. Students need regular practice to really internalize these life-saving skills.
Amazing! UNDP collaboration shows this is done with proper expertise. The Family Disaster Management Plan concept is brilliant - disasters don't just happen at school, families need to be prepared too. Hope this becomes a model for other states! 🌟
Practical training beats theory any day. Teaching kids
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.