School Safety Zones and Disaster Preparedness: A Global Perspective

Ensuring student safety requires a proactive approach that extends beyond the classroom. The latest research highlights the importance of creating designated safety zones and implementing robust disaster preparedness programs, with insights from various parts of the world.

A case study from Palu, Indonesia, examines the necessity of implementing School Safety Zones (ZoSS) [1]. This time-based speed control program is designed to create safer conditions for students on Dewi Sartika Street. The study emphasizes that such zones are a crucial, and often necessary, step for reducing traffic-related risks around schools.

Similarly, a study on Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) programs in public secondary schools in the Philippines reveals the importance of ongoing monitoring and feedback [2]. One key finding was that schools that actively use feedback to improve their safety measures scored a mean of 4.35 on a 5-point scale, demonstrating best practices in their DRRM initiatives. This quantitative data shows that a commitment to continuous improvement is key to effective preparedness.

In India, a country prone to diverse types of disasters, a systematic review highlights the need for schools to adopt relevant DRR strategies [3]. This research underscores that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and schools must equip students with knowledge and skills specific to their geographic region's risks. This is especially critical since children are one of the most vulnerable groups during a disaster.

Finally, an emergency management public relations plan from Medford, Massachusetts, points out that while some school districts have lengthy emergency manuals, they often lack accessible, in-depth information on their websites [4]. This highlights the importance of clear and consistent communication with the public, a crucial step for improving awareness and preparedness across the entire community.

Citations:

1. Madani, M. W., Bahar, T., & Arifin, S. (2025). Safety Zone Facility Needs Study School (ZoSS) On Dewi Sartika Street (Case Study: State Middle School 6 And State Senior High School 3 Palu).

2. Morante, A., & Cerado, E. (2025). Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Program Implementation and Students' Preparedness Knowledge and Readiness Among Public Secondary Schools in the Philippines.

3. Goswami, T., & Ahmad, A. (2025). A Systematic Review of School-Based Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies in India.

4. Ribar, T. (n.d.). Public Relations Plan Medford Emergency Management Fall 2013, Winter 2014, Spring 2014 Heather Yount• School of Journalism and Communication Erica Ciscek•.