Inclement Weather: DSEK issues SOPs for students, staff safety

Srinagar: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the safety of students and staff in light of adverse weather conditions, particularly following recent cloudburst incidents.
According to an advisory issued by the Directorate Of School Education Kashmir all Chief Education Officers and Heads of Institutions (HOIs) are mandated to implement these SOPs, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance in areas prone to natural disasters. HOIs are instructed to train staff on safety protocols related to heavy rainfall, flash floods, and cloudbursts. Schools located near water bodies must remain on high alert, with HOIs responsible for taking necessary precautions to protect the school community and infrastructure. This includes establishing a system for continuous monitoring of water levels and weather forecasts, as well as ensuring a well-rehearsed evacuation plan with designated safe areas. The DSEK stresses the importance of cooperation among all school staff to maintain student safety during adverse conditions. Non-compliance with these directives will be viewed as a serious lapse, and the responsibility for any incidents or losses due to failure in implementing these safety measures will rest solely with the concerned Head of Institution.