The role of schools in disaster preparedness, response and recovery: what can we learn from the literature?

Children with Disabilities and Disaster Risk Reduction: A Review

“…That means that some of the activities they may participate in could include identifying evacuation routes and equipment, potential hazards, alert and communication methods, and as trained assistants for individuals with disabilities. The advantage is that schools have been found to encourage participation by promoting caring relationships, buddy systems among peers, and welcoming attitudes Mutch 2014). This positions schools as strategic entry-points for research that involves the role of children with disabilities in the DRR agenda (Wisner 2006).…”

Leadership in times of crisis: Dispositional, relational and contextual factors influencing school principals’ actions

“…In disaster situations, children and young people look for guidance from supportive adults (Barrett, Barron Ausbrooks & Martinez-Cosio, 2008;Lazarus, Jimerson & Brock, 2003a;Fothergill & Peek, 2006;Prinstein, La Geca, Vernberg & Silverman, 1996;Ronan & Johnson, 2005;Rowling & Holland, 2000;Tarrant, 2011b). If a major crisis happens during school time, they look to those in loco parentis -their principals and teachers (Education Review Office [ERO], 2013;Lazarus, Jimerson & Brock, 2003a, b;Mutch, 2014a;O'Connor and Takahashi, 2013;Parmenter, 2012;Prinstein, La Geca, Vernberg & Silverman, 1996). Children expect these adults to keep them safe, to reassure them and reunite them with their families (Ema, 2013; Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology [MEXT], 2012;Mutch, 2014a;Parmenter, 2012).…”

Further development of a conceptual framework for assessing resilience at the community scale

“…In addition, schools have important functions throughout, from disaster preparedness, to response and recovery (Mutch 2014). As sites serving the education and personal development dimension in community resilience, schools are an integral part of the disaster planning and preparedness process.…”

“…As sites serving the education and personal development dimension in community resilience, schools are an integral part of the disaster planning and preparedness process. During the response stage, schools can serve as relief centers and community response and communication hubs, and during the recovery stage, schools are important hubs for pastoral care, community re-bonding, and students and families in the community (Mutch 2014).…”