Bhubaneswar: All schools across Odisha will observe School Safety Week, which will begin as soon as schools reopen and continue until July 15. The program will include a range of activities from cleanliness drives to awareness campaigns.
Key highlights of the initiative:
Students will take a School Safety Pledge.
Repairs will be carried out for toilets, classroom doors, and other damaged infrastructure.
Each school will prepare a Disaster Management Plan.
Emergency bells will be installed in every school.
Public announcement systems or microphones will be set up for quick communication in emergencies.
Fire extinguishers and sand buckets will be inspected regularly.
First-aid kits will be checked and any missing essential medicines will be stocked.
Electrical safety checks will be conducted for fans, bulbs, and other equipment.
All District Education Officers have been notified via official letter by the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA).
The School Safety Policy 2016 will be enforced during the week. Activities will involve school management committees, students, headmasters, and teachers.
Additional safety measures to be ensured:
Safe drinking water arrangements
Functional toilets
Secure classrooms
A 5-day activity schedule will be implemented.
Unsafe roofs will be repaired.
Fencing or barriers will be set up near ponds to prevent children from going close.
School signboards will be placed in proper locations.
School gates and entrances will be cleaned.
Students will undergo health checkups.
Sanitizers and thermometers will be kept ready and available.
This initiative is aimed at ensuring that the school environment remains safe, clean, and emergency-ready for all students and staff.