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January 22, 2010
Jamalco Spearheads Earthquake Awareness Seminars
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Over 180 primary school students at two schools in Clarendon and Manchester are now more aware of what to do in the event of an earthquake following two seminars organized by Jamalco on Earthquake Awareness Day, Wednesday, January 12, 2009. The presentations were organized as part of the bauxite/alumina company’s Jamalco In Schools programme.
At the Mitchell Town Primary School Clarendon Parish Manager for the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) Charmaine Williams told some 100 students along with several parents and teachers that “an earthquake can happen at anytime, anywhere and the first thing one hears is a rumbling sound.” She reminded them that it is important that “you stay calm during an earthquake and if you are outdoors you should not rush indoors.”
Mrs. Williams encouraged the students to practice the drop, cover and hold procedure:
“Drop-Get under a sturdy piece of furniture; cover-Keep your head and eyes protected from falling or flying objects; cover your head with one hand; and hold on to the piece of furniture until the shaking has stopped.
At the Campbell’s Castle All Age School in South Manchester 80 students and their teachers also learnt how to “drop, cover and hold on” as Gregory Paragh, ODPEM’s Southern Regional Coordinator reminded them of how to respond during an earthquake. The ODPEM also organized an earthquake evacuation Drill for the students and teachers at the end of the presentation with the students getting under their desks.
Jamalco’s Corporate Services & Government Affairs Manager Leo Lambert, who attended the seminar at Mitchell Town Primary, highlighted the partnership between Jamalco and institutions like the ODPEM, noting that the Jamalco in Schools Programme is designed to build awareness of important social and environmental issues and about the bauxite alumina industry.
The principals of both schools were grateful to Jamalco for organizing the seminars. Principal of Mitchell Town Primary Ivy Forbes said the presentation was timely as the school is located in a section of Clarendon that is often affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods.
Principal of Campbell’s Castle Primary Owen Lambert said that the presentation was very comprehensive and the students benefitted as it was evident from the energy they displayed during the feedback from the students. He also noted that the presentation was helpful as the students are currently studying the topic weather and climate as a part of the school’s curriculum.
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