SED Jammu issues advisory to schools on weather safety measures

Jammu, Aug 20: Amid heavy rains and frequent thunderstorms in the Jammu region, the Directorate of School Education Jammu on Wednesday issued a detailed advisory directing all heads of institutions to enforce safety measures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to protect students and staff during inclement weather.

The advisory emphasises regular inspection of school buildings, boundary walls, roofs, and electrical systems to identify potential hazards.

Schools have been instructed to prohibit students from gathering in open spaces, under trees, or near electric poles during storms.

As per the advisory, the Director of School Education Jammu, Naseem Javaid Chowdhary, has directed that Heads of Institutions must also maintain updated contact details of parents and ensure prompt communication during emergencies.

Particular caution has been advised for schools located near rivers, canals, and low-lying areas.

The advisory further mentions that evacuation routes should be identified in advance, outdoor activities in flood-prone zones avoided, and coordination maintained with local administration and disaster management authorities for timely alerts.

The Directorate has further directed that each institution must form a Safety Committee to monitor preparedness and guide students during emergencies.

Any lapse in implementing the SOPs will be viewed seriously, with accountability resting on the respective Heads of Institutions, advisory mentions.

Students are to be educated on precautionary measures, including safety drills for floods, lightning, and thunderstorms, and encouraged to shift to safer locations during adverse weather.

Heads of institutions have also been asked to monitor daily weather forecasts and take necessary precautions accordingly.

It is pertinent to mention here that all schools in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch remained closed for three days due to bad weather conditions. However, schools reopened on Wednesday after improvement in weather.