Make security key in schools this term
Feb 01, 2010
It is back-to-school time again. Ugandans will always recall the nasty school fires that troubled the country in 2008. The Ministry of Education and the Police Force designed guidelines to ensure safety in schools.
Emilian Kayima
It is back-to-school time again. Ugandans will always recall the nasty school fires that troubled the country in 2008. The Ministry of Education and the Police Force designed guidelines to ensure safety in schools. Below are some of them:
Every school ought to have an access control system to monitor visitors. Visitors’ books should be used and inspected regularly by the authorities.
Specific teachers and students should be in charge of security. The Police is willing to train them in fire-fighting and evacuation skills, patrol techniques, observation and self-defence. This enhances the work of security guards and makes students active in administration.
An effective communication system should be designed — a horn, drum or whistles as well as raising an alarm. Dry drills should be carried out regularly to keep students and teachers abreast with the skills.
Start crime prevention clubs to keep children alert, safe and secure.
Do you have fire-fighting equipment like potable fire extinguishers? Buy these from credible dealers and inspect them regularly. Fire extinguishers should be strategically placed and everyone at school should learn how to use them. Water should also be available at school because it is the best fire-fighting tool, if well utilised.
A good lighting system wards off potential criminals and this calls for an alternative source of power like a generator or solar system to avoid use of candles and lanterns.
Most importantly, schools should employ the services of counsellors to help students and staff voice their concerns and to define their lives better. We cannot underestimate the impact of the pressures of life and how far and devastating these can impact whoever is affected.
Schools ought to manage indiscipline cases, including bullying and also work with the Police to put in place appropriate fire safety measures.
The writer is the political
commissar Kampala
Metropolitan Police
It is back-to-school time again. Ugandans will always recall the nasty school fires that troubled the country in 2008. The Ministry of Education and the Police Force designed guidelines to ensure safety in schools. Below are some of them:
Every school ought to have an access control system to monitor visitors. Visitors’ books should be used and inspected regularly by the authorities.
Specific teachers and students should be in charge of security. The Police is willing to train them in fire-fighting and evacuation skills, patrol techniques, observation and self-defence. This enhances the work of security guards and makes students active in administration.
An effective communication system should be designed — a horn, drum or whistles as well as raising an alarm. Dry drills should be carried out regularly to keep students and teachers abreast with the skills.
Start crime prevention clubs to keep children alert, safe and secure.
Do you have fire-fighting equipment like potable fire extinguishers? Buy these from credible dealers and inspect them regularly. Fire extinguishers should be strategically placed and everyone at school should learn how to use them. Water should also be available at school because it is the best fire-fighting tool, if well utilised.
A good lighting system wards off potential criminals and this calls for an alternative source of power like a generator or solar system to avoid use of candles and lanterns.
Most importantly, schools should employ the services of counsellors to help students and staff voice their concerns and to define their lives better. We cannot underestimate the impact of the pressures of life and how far and devastating these can impact whoever is affected.
Schools ought to manage indiscipline cases, including bullying and also work with the Police to put in place appropriate fire safety measures.
The writer is the political
commissar Kampala
Metropolitan Police