On November 9, 2023, over 160 public schools across the state of Rio de Janeiro participated in a large-scale disaster evacuation drill.
This activity, coordinated by the State Civil Defense Secretariat (Sedec-RJ) and the Rio de Janeiro State Military Fire Brigade (CBMERJ), was conducted in partnership with the State Department of Education, local governments, and the Military Police.
The simulation reached over 40,000 individuals, including students and teachers, emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness and offering vital guidance for emergency situations.
The primary objective was to empower the school community, transforming them into disseminators of crucial information for enhancing safety and reducing various accidents.
Additionally, the simulation aimed at improving coordination among different agencies, thereby optimizing responses in disaster scenarios.
The event saw active participation from sixty-one municipalities, highlighting the significance of disaster preparation throughout the state.
The exercise underscored the importance of education and collaborative efforts in strengthening the safety of the population.
Colonel Leandro Monteiro, Secretary of State for Civil Defense and General Commander of CBMERJ, said*: “The school evacuation simulation is essential in our mission to protect lives and property in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
“The collaboration between Civil Defense, the Fire Brigade, and other agencies demonstrates our commitment to societal safety.
“Prevention is our focus, and by educating the school community, we reinforce the culture of prevention.”
The recent disaster simulation in Rio’s public schools represents a significant step in fostering a culture of safety and preparedness.
By involving over 160 schools and reaching thousands of students and teachers, the initiative underlines the importance of early education in emergency response.
The collaboration among various state agencies, educational institutions, and law enforcement in this large-scale exercise showcases an exemplary model of integrated disaster management.
Such proactive measures not only enhance the immediate response capabilities but also contribute to building a resilient community aware of the nuances of disaster management.
This approach sets a benchmark for other regions to emulate, emphasizing the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness programs in educational settings.
*Please note that this article may have been translated using automated software; unintended translation errors may be present.
