DOHA: The Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) has issued a booklet on reducing the impact of earthquakes, for school students, their families and educational staff.
‘The Prepared Child’ booklet was printed with a financial contribution from ORYX GTL limited. The booklet addresses earthquakes and what to do when they occur; using fictional characters in order to engage the children.
Three cartoon characters, Mota’hib, Mota’hiba and Aman, explain the nature of earthquakes in a simple manner and outline the steps to be taken when they occur.
These steps include taking appropriate shelter, for example under a table if the child is indoors, and other alternatives if they were outdoors or in a moving vehicle.
The booklet also advises students on suitable evacuation procedures under the supervision of adults to prevent injuries and informs them of DO’s and DONT’s. The booklet also reviews safety precautions to be taken to protect against the risk of earthquakes, including the inspection of the surroundings, being away from windows and glass and preparing an emergency bag.
The booklet concludes with a card for emergency numbers filled out by students.
The release of the booklet complements the success of QRC’s disaster management camp, which resulted in the training of over 150 volunteers on how to prepare for and respond to disasters and included a section on reducing the risk of earthquakes under the slogan ‘The Safe School.’
A number of local schools benefited from this awareness program, which involved all students, administrative staff and teachers.
It included training on first aid with participants being awarded with a ‘Safe School’ certificate upon completion.
The Peninsula
