Students often don’t imagine a big disaster striking our school, similar to the recent flood. They don’t know how to stay calm and escape the situation. It’s surprising to find out that these major disasters are very common and difficult to relieve. Disasters might feel unfamiliar, and the people reading this article might not have b cv
]/een through a disaster. We never know when a major disaster will strike our district. Therefore, it is important to stay prepared and to try to prevent it before it happens.
One of the many disasters that can be life-threatening are earthquakes. Fifty-five major earthquakes happen every day, and several hundred smaller earthquakes do, too. Here in Glendale, California, it is about fifteen percent more likely for there to be an earthquake than in the whole of the USA, according to USA.com. When somebody gets an earthquake alert anywhere, such as at school, drop, cover, and hold. It’s important to stay still in that position for about a minute to make sure the earthquake has passed. Staying under a shelter is crucial if any large objects fall down. According to the Great Shakeout Earthquake Drills, keeping one hand on the shelter will help move with the shelter if it moves. There might also be aftershocks, so stay protected.
Tornados and hurricanes are both equally disastrous events. Although they are not as common as earthquakes, precautions are still needed to stay safe. First, victims have to find the nearest safe shelter, such 8as a storm cellar, basement, or the lowest floor of a building. Then they have to retrieve flashlights (with extra batteries) and a disaster aid kit nearby. If they can’t stay in a shelter, they have to check the news frequently. Also, they have to remember to keep important items with them, such as wills, passports, medical documents, etc. Having food and water is also crucial.
There was a recent flash flood, and floods are involved in ninety percent of all disasters, so learning how to stay safe from them is important. If there’s another flood, have up-to-date information about it, to easily make a move immediately. Firstly, get to higher ground, and stay away from rivers, streams, and other areas that may lead to flooding. Hopefully, that’s all the precautions that are necessary to know. According to ready.gov, do not swim, walk, or drive through flooded areas. Six inches of moving water can knock someone down, and one foot of moving water can sweep people away.
So, how do we stay calm in these disasters? First, even before the emergency happens, make an evacuation plan and check that everyone in the family knows it. Follow the evacuation plan when the earthquake happens, and have sharp awareness. Another tip for staying calm is to use breathing exercises. Focus on breathing slowly to stop hyperventilation from panic. Not only that, turn on a broadcast that provides reliable information about earthquakes and tornadoes. According to adventhealth.com, “A calm mind allows you to make thoughtful choices rather than being reactive to the situation.”
The Spartan Scroll met with Rosemont Middle School’s assistant principal, Mr. Laing to
Both Rosemont Middle School and GUSD practice earthquake drills and instructional days about major disasters. Rosemont Middle School practices the “Drop, Cover, Hold on” step, and goes to the selected area, which is the room number of your first period either on the middle field or on the upper field. These earthquake drills help have quick responses and preparation for an actual earthquake. According to gusd.net, GUSD has emergency plans and drills and reviews and revises those throughout the year. Mr.Laing said, “We ask the students to be calm and behaving…and some zeros on behavior…So we’re going to increase supervision on the field.”
Being prepared for major disasters is extremely important, because it might risk your safety if you’re not. Staying calm is also crucial because calmness helps think straight, therefore resulting in being safer during these disasters. Using this article, stay protected during potentially life-risking disasters. Major disasters such as earthquakes, disasters, and tornadoes are common, so be safe during them.