NCERT Solutions Class 9 Social Science Chapter 5 Are You Prepared Tips for Safety at Schools and Homes

1. Identify the important functions of a School Disaster Management Committee in pre, during and post disaster situation.

Answer. The important functions of a School Disaster Management Committee:

(a) During pre-disaster situation:

(i) The School Disaster Management Committee will have the overall responsibility of guiding and developing the plan for the school and also carrying out regular mock drills in school.

(ii) Identify the structural and non-structural hazards that the school is prone to. These include weak concrete structure, location of fixtures in school, chemicals stored in the school laboratories, etc.

(iii) Prepare an inventory of resources available in school that include human and material. The location and contact details of all the resources should be available. Teachers, administrative staff and senior students should be trained in first aid, search and rescue, fire fighting, etc. (iv) A mapping exercise needs to be carried out as this would help the students and other staffs to be aware of the exit routes and the location of the resources available.

(v) Mock drills are conducted to test the elements of The Disaster Management Plan.

(b) During the disaster, the committee should try to implement the Disaster Management Plan, which had been prepared and practiced.

(c) Post-disaster situation:

(i) After the disaster, the School Disaster Management Committee should adopt emergency relief measures and provide medical aid and adopt other mitigation measures.

(ii) After the disaster is over, the committee should analyse and review the plan and see whether the plan worked properly or not and what further changes and improvements could be made.