To enhance school safety, the Boys' Section of International Indian School, Jeddah (IISJ) organized a Safety Awareness Campaign. The campaign aimed to provide the essential tips to students on the matter of priority i.e. ‘safety first.' It provided students information about emergency readiness and ways to be safe at all times. The students learned various safety measures through a variety of resources provided in the campaign. The objective of the program was ensuring maximum security of the students and making them smart responsible human beings. Phase – I of the campaign held on Dec. 8, trained the students about complying with safety rules at school, at home and on the road. Personal hygiene was also stressed and the children were encouraged to eat healthy food and refrain from eating fast food. The little masters of Grade II focused on the tips and tricks regarding safety precautions through skits, speeches and multimedia programs. They also educated their young audience about protecting themselves from possible dangers like ‘Outsider – Danger'. Phase - II held on Dec. 9, was an applicable and a workable session. A bus drill was conducted for safe arrival and departure of the students. It intended to focus on the security of the students while travelling. The bus drivers were briefed to ensure maximum safety and security of the children on arrival and departures. The little boys spoke to the bus drivers and their innocence and charm won the hearts of everyone while requesting their drivers to take care of them. The drivers also appreciated and welcomed the move taken up by the young graders of I-II. Making safety a priority, the students were made to practice drills for fire and other emergency evacuations. The students evacuated the building according to the exit plan with the help of their teachers within a short time of 3 minutes following the emergency alarm. They gathered in the main ground of the school and returned back to their classes after the all clear sign was given. Students were imparted age suitable lessons to deal with emergency situations. The teachers were also trained for the use of fire extinguishers in case of an emergency. Safety instructions were also given in the classrooms and the purpose of having the campaign was clearly stated to the students. As part of the campaign, students were made to learn important emergency contact numbers and address. The issue of school safety is a major concern at all levels. These safety programs are vital for the well-being of the students and a reminder of our need to plan crisis preparedness for whatever potential situation might arise on school campuses and to address school safety concerns.
