Issued 15 March 2011: Christchurch Earthquake Response
Message from Mr John Hamilton – Civil Defence Emergency Management National Controller:
“The Civil Defence Emergency Management organisation wishes to recognise and acknowledge the outstanding performance by school communities in the way they managed the response to the earthquake on 22nd February.
No school children were seriously injured thanks to your knowledge regarding earthquake preparedness. Diligent earthquake response practices and regular updating of school policies paid off.
My gratitude and commendation goes to our principals, staff and board of trustee members. On behalf of all parents I am extremely grateful for your commitment to the safety of our children.”
For up to date information, check the Ministry of Education website. Please be aware that changes are made regularly; check the website at least twice each day. Information includes: processes for safety checks before opening the school, processes for applying for relief teachers and principals, support available for stressed staff members, temporary enrollment, staff discretionary leave.
Who is responsible for the health and safety of the school staff and the student?
The Board of Trustees is legally required to provide effective emergency management procedures and planning to ensure safety of all students and staff. After the 22nd February earthquake the current policy will be reviewed. Any suggestions from you will be appreciated.
With some damage to our school, should we review our evacuation routes?
The principal is investigating if evacuation routes need to be revised. If this is the case, then new evacuation route maps will be replaced in all classrooms and you must explain these clearly to students, and practice the new procedure with your students.
Is water safe to drink at school?
Not if your school is on city supply. Ensure that students bring drinking water from home. Explain to students that drinking fountains are turned off and why not to use tap water for drinking. Ensure you have ample hand sanitiser in the classroom and explain to students the importance of using it, demonstrate the correct use of the sanitiser. Refill containers regularly.
Earthquake response practices
This is the time to review and practice earthquake response with your students. Practice for a variety of scenarios such as if during an aftershock students are in the classroom, library, school hall, corridors or out on the grounds. Practising your plans will provide students with reassurance that you are prepared for aftershocks. Your principal will discuss procedures with all staff to ensure consistency in the earthquake response.
Handy tips from teachers already back at school:
- Ensure you make temporary students very welcome, this relieves any fears and discomfort
- Do not hesitate to talk to the principal at any time about any concerns you may have regarding hazards, or students who don’t appear to be coping very well
- Attend all staff meetings organised to discuss any earthquake issues.
- Ask for help! Systems are in place for relieving teachers.
- Monitor your colleagues and speak to your team leader if you have concerns. You will not be the only one to do so.
- Be vigilant and report any new hazards you notice in your workplace in the school’s hazard register. If you are not sure of its location; ask.
Feeling stressed? Cannot cope? Or just need to talk but feel reluctant to discuss your feelings to peers?
For phone and/or face to face counselling/support, call 0800 735 283
Be aware that if you need to apply for stress leave you need to discuss this with your principal.
Prepared by Christchurch Earthquake Response public information staff in consultation with Denise Torrey and Grant Stedman (executive members of the Canterbury Primary Principals Association), and staff from the Canterbury District Health Board and Ministry of Education.
