RAWALPINDI. Amid ongoing military tensions with India, the Department of Education has instructed educational officers to coordinate with school administrations to formulate emergency evacuation plans to ensure the safety of students, teachers and non-teaching staff.
These plans must include clear evacuation routes from every classroom to secure locations such as basements or interior rooms. Teachers are advised to keep students calm and comfort frightened children by reassuring them that they are safe and by distracting them with stories or drama activities.
Crying children should be comforted with hugs. In the event of a blackout or attack, students should stay away from windows, switch off electrical appliances, and remain silent. If an explosion is heard inside the school, students should follow the “Drop, Cover, Hold” protocol lie down, cover their heads, and take shelter under sturdy furniture.
Schools are also instructed to maintain basic first-aid kits. Teachers should respond immediately to injuries by stopping bleeding or applying bandages.All principals, headmasters, teachers, and staff are required to conduct regular drills to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Schools should create SMS or WhatsApp groups with parents for rapid communication. Emergency contact numbers for local authorities (police, hospitals) must be readily available.
News published in the Express Tribune on 9th May 2025
