Students Learn Disaster Preparedness and Life-Saving Skills at Summer Hill School
Doers and HPSDRF jointly organise practical workshop on International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction; 200 participants take part in evacuation drills, first aid and CPR training
Shimla, October , Marking the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, Doers, a humanitarian organisation, in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (HPSDRF), organised a practical workshop on disaster preparedness, safe evacuation, basic first aid and life-saving assistance at Government Senior Secondary School (GSSS), Summer Hill, Shimla, on October 13, 2026. The workshop focused on equipping students and school staff with essential knowledge and practical skills to respond effectively to emergencies, minimise risks and protect lives during disasters.
A total of 200 participants attended the programme, including 176 students and 24 teaching and non-teaching staff members. The school's Principal, Ms. Sushma Kumari, was also present during the initiative, which aimed to strengthen disaster awareness and preparedness within the school community.
The workshop was organised as part of the second phase of the STEP4Schools initiative, implemented by Doers with the support of M3M Foundation and in coordination with DoCC SPJIMR. The initiative seeks to promote disaster awareness, safe emergency response, first-aid knowledge and life-saving skills among school students and staff. By combining practical demonstrations with hands-on exercises, the programme aims to help educational institutions develop a culture of preparedness and ensure that students understand how to respond safely and responsibly during emergencies.
During the workshop, students practised the 'Drop, Cover and Hold' safety protocol, an important protective measure to be followed during an earthquake. The exercise familiarised students with the basic steps required to protect themselves when the ground begins to shake. Participants were guided on the importance of following safety instructions and taking appropriate protective action rather than panicking during an emergency.
Following the earthquake safety exercise, students participated in a mock evacuation drill within the school premises. They practised moving out of the building in an orderly manner and proceeded towards the designated safe zone, completing the drill according to the prescribed procedure. The exercise provided practical exposure to emergency evacuation, helping students understand the importance of discipline, coordination and adherence to safety instructions when moving towards a secure location.
The mock drill also reinforced the importance of advance preparation in reducing confusion and ensuring a more organised response during disasters. Such exercises are particularly significant in schools, where a clear understanding of evacuation procedures can help students and staff respond more effectively in potentially dangerous situations.
Subsequently, the HPSDRF team conducted a practical training session on disaster preparedness, emergency response and first aid. The team explained essential safety measures to be followed during earthquakes and other emergency situations, along with appropriate ways to respond to people requiring immediate assistance. The session emphasised the importance of remaining alert, assessing situations carefully and providing timely support during emergencies.
Participants were also introduced to the initial assessment of an unconscious person, including checking for signs of life and understanding the basic steps involved in providing immediate assistance. The training covered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and other fundamental life-saving measures, helping participants understand the importance of timely intervention when dealing with medical emergencies.
In addition, the participants were informed about essential emergency contact numbers, including those for ambulance services. This information was intended to ensure that students and school staff could seek professional assistance promptly whenever required. The session highlighted that awareness of emergency services, combined with basic first-aid knowledge, can play a crucial role in responding effectively to critical situations.
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed annually on October 13 to promote awareness and encourage efforts to reduce disaster-related risks. The theme for 2026, "Resilience Starts at Home," highlights the importance of individual preparedness, awareness and community participation in building resilience against disasters. It underlines the need to develop preparedness at the household and community levels so that individuals are better equipped to face emergencies.
The joint initiative by Doers and HPSDRF at GSSS Summer Hill represented a practical effort to strengthen disaster preparedness among students and school personnel. By combining earthquake safety exercises, evacuation drills, first-aid training and life-saving demonstrations, the workshop provided participants with an opportunity to understand the importance of preparedness through practical learning.
The programme conveyed a key message: accurate information, advance preparation and timely action are essential to protecting lives and property during disasters. Strengthening these skills among students and school staff can contribute to creating safer educational environments and more resilient communities.
