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HSEM conducts tsunami response drill at 8 schools
A tsunami preparedness exercise drill was spearheaded by the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management last Tuesday. Photo shows students and their teachers going up As Terlaje Hill toward the designated tsunami evacuation site at the Northern Marianas College. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management conducted a tsunami preparedness exercise drill for eight schools last Tuesday.
The eight schools that took part in the tsunami preparedness exercise drills are Mount Carmel School, Oleai Elementary School, Oleai Head Start, Saipan Seventh-day Adventist School, Marianas High School, Susupe Early Head Start, Chalan Kanoa Head Start/Early Head Start, William S. Reyes Elementary School, Saipan Community School, Garapan Elementary School, Tanapag Middle School, and Tanapag Head Start/Early Head Start.
The tsunami preparedness exercise drills were accomplished in collaboration with the CNMI Public School System, the Department of Public Safety, and the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
Natural disasters and other emergencies can occur at any time, and when they do, everyone at school should be prepared to handle them safely and effectively. Administrators, teachers, staff, parents, and students can all work together to promote and maintain school-wide safety and to mitigate the effects of emergencies and other dangerous situations. The increased independence that comes with attending school, also comes with increased responsibility, particularly in terms of emergency preparedness. While schools on the island conduct emergency drills and provide information on what to do in the event of a natural disasters, whether it’d be an earthquake or a tsunami, students must ensure that they also know what to do if emergencies occur while they are in class or away from home. Reading up on school emergency procedures, ensuring that emergency supplies are available, familiarizing oneself with the campus layout, and becoming acquainted with school resources can all help students stay safe and prepared in emergency situations.
The purpose of this exercise was to prepare students, faculty, and the general public for a real tsunami in the event that one occurs following a local earthquake warning. The emphasis of this tsunami drill was based on safety, security, reliability, and the use of existing emergency protocols that exists within the schools. (PR)
