Schools

Despite many disasters that have hit schools around the world, schools are an integral part of dealing with disasters for three reasons. First, they provide opportunities to educate future generations about disasters, including proper prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and relief techniques. Second, they serve as community centers and collection points during crises. Finally, as a focus for many day-to-day community activities, schools can be a prominent example of a disaster-resistant institution.

Schools are the community locations where much of the process of formalized, social education takes place.

In many countries, school involves a formal, legally mandated education system involving specific buildings. In others, school can also include sitting in the shade of a tree to hear stories from elders or being taken into the environment to learn about ...