[DRAFT] Disaster Preparedness in Schools

[Kenmoria]

“All of these seem a little one-size-fits-all to me. For example, a school on top of a hill or up a mountainside would have little reason to practice a flood drill, and an institute located in the middle of a tectonic plate would be extremely unlikely to experience earthquakes.”

Look, dude, I live in Idaho. That's not very close to the edge of the plate, is it? We have a 6.5 earthquake the other day. Shut it. As for the mountain one, good point. That's why it says "procedure pertaining to the school and its surrounding area." in section 3.

(OOC: I was asking from the perspective of Britain, where the last earthquake resulting in death was over 80 years ago. My school never had an earthquake drill, since I’m fairly certain there haven’t been any serious earthquakes there for hundreds of years.)

[Masconvia]

Look, dude, I live in Idaho. That's not very close to the edge of the plate, is it? We have a 6.5 earthquake the other day. Shut it. As for the mountain one, good point. That's why it says "procedure pertaining to the school and its surrounding area." in section 3.

(OOC: I was asking from the perspective of Britain, where the last earthquake resulting in death was over 80 years ago. My school never had an earthquake drill, since I’m fairly certain there haven’t been any serious earthquakes there for hundreds of years.)

Makes Sense.

[Araraukar]

IC post, unless marked otherwise.

Realizing that natural and man-made disasters can occur at a moment's notice, and sometimes without warning,

"I am curious, ambassador, what exactly do you think "man-made disasters" include? Accidents such as fires, or intentional actions such as bombings during a war, are not "man-made disasters" in most people's minds."

Noting that many schools and other learning institutions indeed have disaster protocols in place,

However, Concerned that some schools and other learning institutions are unprepared to handle a disaster,

"Then wouldn't you agree that it's a bit heavy-handed to use a multiversal international institution to legislate just for a few schools? What is the international function here?"

Further concerned that students themselves may be harmed because of an institution's unpreparedness,

"During natural catastrophes the students tend to be harmed because of the natural catastrophe, or their own unpreparedness, rarely that of the school itself."

An "active shooter" as a person wielding a firearm or other deadly weapon within an occupied building.

"Terrorist acts already have a resolution addressing them specifically."

An "evacuation" as a purposeful abandonment of a building to save one's life or health.

A "fire" as a situation where a flame grows to the point of imminent danger to students and faculty.

An "earthquake" as any seismic tremble that may cause damage to structures.

A "flood" as a rapid rise in water level that poses a threat to students and faculty.

An "emergency" as any situation that requires an undelayed response and/or assistance.

OOC: Since these words are used in the dictionary-defined ways, you don't need to actually define them. And you don't actually need them anyway - see below.

An "area-specific disaster" as a disaster that can only happen to a certain place or area.

OOC: This is unnecessary - see below.

Mandates these criteria be met by a school's disaster preparation plan:

"This list, as has been explained by others, is far too specific, and flies against common sense in many cases, while completely failing to address many viable alternatives. You will never be able to list all of them - for example, I notice complete lack of "invasion by army ants" anywhere in your list of disasters, yet there are schools in Araraukar where that is much more necessary to have as a preparedness drill than any of the ones you have actually listed. Instead of highly specific and most likely locally-unsuitable instructions such as yours, you should simply mandate that schools have disaster response plans for disasters likely for the local area, and that students be made aware what to do if there is an emergency of some kind."

OOC: Note that "common sense" ^there refers to Araraukar's RP reality, not necessarily Real Life. Also, your list completely lacks "what to do in a nuclear fallout if something happens to the nuclear powerplant in the city", while that is an actual preparedness plan at least in Finland in schools in cities near nuclear powerplants. It is not elsewhere in Finland, because it's, well, unnecessary. Also I would imagine there are many schools in certain parts of the RL world where "what to do if there's an angry bull elephant in musth anywhere near the school" is much more important to know than a school shooter-wannabe case. Basically, stop being specific, go for generalizations and let the nations or even the schools specifically take care of the smallscale details.

[Masconvia]

IC post, unless marked otherwise.

Realizing that natural and man-made disasters can occur at a moment's notice, and sometimes without warning,

"I am curious, ambassador, what exactly do you think "man-made disasters" include? Accidents such as fires, or intentional actions such as bombings during a war, are not "man-made disasters" in most people's minds."

Noting that many schools and other learning institutions indeed have disaster protocols in place,

However, Concerned that some schools and other learning institutions are unprepared to handle a disaster,

"Then wouldn't you agree that it's a bit heavy-handed to use a multiversal international institution to legislate just for a few schools? What is the international function here?"

Further concerned that students themselves may be harmed because of an institution's unpreparedness,

"During natural catastrophes the students tend to be harmed because of the natural catastrophe, or their own unpreparedness, rarely that of the school itself."

An "active shooter" as a person wielding a firearm or other deadly weapon within an occupied building.

"Terrorist acts already have a resolution addressing them specifically."

An "evacuation" as a purposeful abandonment of a building to save one's life or health.

A "fire" as a situation where a flame grows to the point of imminent danger to students and faculty.

An "earthquake" as any seismic tremble that may cause damage to structures.

A "flood" as a rapid rise in water level that poses a threat to students and faculty.

An "emergency" as any situation that requires an undelayed response and/or assistance.

OOC: Since these words are used in the dictionary-defined ways, you don't need to actually define them. And you don't actually need them anyway - see below.

An "area-specific disaster" as a disaster that can only happen to a certain place or area.

OOC: This is unnecessary - see below.

Mandates these criteria be met by a school's disaster preparation plan:

"This list, as has been explained by others, is far too specific, and flies against common sense in many cases, while completely failing to address many viable alternatives. You will never be able to list all of them - for example, I notice complete lack of "invasion by army ants" anywhere in your list of disasters, yet there are schools in Araraukar where that is much more necessary to have as a preparedness drill than any of the ones you have actually listed. Instead of highly specific and most likely locally-unsuitable instructions such as yours, you should simply mandate that schools have disaster response plans for disasters likely for the local area, and that students be made aware what to do if there is an emergency of some kind."

OOC: Note that "common sense" ^there refers to Araraukar's RP reality, not necessarily Real Life. Also, your list completely lacks "what to do in a nuclear fallout if something happens to the nuclear powerplant in the city", while that is an actual preparedness plan at least in Finland in schools in cities near nuclear powerplants. It is not elsewhere in Finland, because it's, well, unnecessary. Also I would imagine there are many schools in certain parts of the RL world where "what to do if there's an angry bull elephant in musth anywhere near the school" is much more important to know than a school shooter-wannabe case. Basically, stop being specific, go for generalizations and let the nations or even the schools specifically take care of the smallscale details.

Any better?

[Araraukar]

Practice drills for each of these plans at least every term or semester

OOC post: Why specifically? In all my school years (total of 20 or so, counting university) I've been part one ONE fire drill. Practice drills in general are kinda useless, because you're not actually panicking, then. It's better to teach the kids what to do in the case of a fire, so they know how to exit safely, and then actually keep the safe exits marked and accessible.

Teach all students the disaster protocols and how to behave during a disaster

This is much more sane than unnecessary repeated drills.

Recommends schools to:

Notify parents of an occurring drill and an occurring emergency.

Notifying them of an emergency after evacuating the kids, would be preferable, not while you're actively trying to do so. But why should parents be notified of practice runs? You're just going to go back to class afterwards, after all. It's not a real emergency and so doesn't concern anyone outside of the school.

Also, given that you're talking of "all schools and learning institutions", many of them are going to have adult students. Why should their parents be notified?

Teach all students their procedures at least every term

Howabout just "ensure that all students are aware of what to do in the case of an emergency"? Because if you keep repeating the info too often, sooner or later you're going to start getting "We knoooooowwwww!" back from the students, and they'll stop paying attention to you.

Abide by the criteria and regulations set by this resolution.

This is a bit unnecessary given that mandates need to be abided by anyway, and you're no longer setting specific regulations.

[Masconvia]

Practice drills for each of these plans at least every term or semester

OOC post: Why specifically? In all my school years (total of 20 or so, counting university) I've been part one ONE fire drill. Practice drills in general are kinda useless, because you're not actually panicking, then. It's better to teach the kids what to do in the case of a fire, so they know how to exit safely, and then actually keep the safe exits marked and accessible.

Teach all students the disaster protocols and how to behave during a disaster

This is much more sane than unnecessary repeated drills.

Recommends schools to:

Notify parents of an occurring drill and an occurring emergency.

Notifying them of an emergency after evacuating the kids, would be preferable, not while you're actively trying to do so. But why should parents be notified of practice runs? You're just going to go back to class afterwards, after all. It's not a real emergency and so doesn't concern anyone outside of the school.

Also, given that you're talking of "all schools and learning institutions", many of them are going to have adult students. Why should their parents be notified?

Teach all students their procedures at least every term

Howabout just "ensure that all students are aware of what to do in the case of an emergency"? Because if you keep repeating the info too often, sooner or later you're going to start getting "We knoooooowwwww!" back from the students, and they'll stop paying attention to you.

Abide by the criteria and regulations set by this resolution.

This is a bit unnecessary given that mandates need to be abided by anyway, and you're no longer setting specific regulations.

Better?!

[Kenmoria]

(OOC: Your list formatting was slightly broken; the fixed version is below.)

Code: Select all

[b]Realizing[/b] that disasters can occur at a moment's notice, and sometimes without warning,

[b]Noting[/b] that many schools and other learning institutions indeed have disaster protocols in place,

However, [b]Concerned[/b] that some schools and other learning institutions are unprepared to handle a disaster,

[b]Further concerned[/b] that students themselves could be harmed because of an institution's or their own unpreparedness,

[b]Seeking[/b] that all schools and learning institutions practice safety drills and have disaster protocols in place,

Hereby,

[list=1][*] Mandates all schools and learning institutions:

[list=a][*]Have a disaster plan for disasters that are specific to their location


[*]Teach all students the disaster protocols and how to behave during a disaster


[*]Ensure that all students are aware of disaster protocols[/list]

[*]Recommends schools to:

[list=a][*]Notify underage students' parents after an emergency[/list][/list]

[Tinhampton]

As of 21:17 BST, Masconvia has [SUBMITTED] this proposal under Regulation/Safety, with exactly the same proposal text as you see in the OP (and below, lightly edited by myself for formatting, in case Masc deletes it) - although I do remain sceptical about the necessity of having a one-item list.

Realizing that disasters can occur at a moment's notice, and sometimes without warning,

Noting that many schools and other learning institutions indeed have disaster protocols in place,

However, Concerned that some schools and other learning institutions are unprepared to handle a disaster,

Further concerned that students themselves could be harmed because of an institution's or their own unpreparedness,

Seeking that all schools and learning institutions practice safety drills and have disaster protocols in place,

Hereby,

1. Mandates all schools and learning institutions:
   
   1. Have a disaster plan for disasters that are specific to their location
   2. Teach all students the disaster protocols and how to behave during a disaster
   3. Ensure that all students are aware of disaster protocols
2. Recommends schools to:
   
   1. Notify underage students' parents after an emergency

[Kenmoria]

“I think the submitted proposal had a good idea, but hasn’t yet been sufficiently refined to the point where it ought to be entered into consideration. Further drafting is necessary. As such, this draft has no support from me at this time; I recommend withdrawal.”

[Masconvia]

“I think the submitted proposal had a good idea, but hasn’t yet been sufficiently refined to the point where it ought to be entered into consideration. Further drafting is necessary. As such, this draft has no support from me at this time; I recommend withdrawal.”

I have withdrawn my proposal, seeing that it will not reach quorum and needs to be refined further.

[Kenmoria]

“I now present my feedback, written on the draft with my lovely red pen.”

It is convention to have ‘The World Assembly,’ or ‘The General Assembly,’ at the beginning of the draft, in order for the preamble to make sense. As we are here, what is the planned category and strength of this proposal? I can’t see it on the transcript.

Realizing that disasters can occur at a moment's notice, and sometimes without warning, How does this affect the draft? Nothing here is particularly geared towards helping schools in an unexpected disaster. Consider adding to the end of this clause that such immediacy means that pupils should be prepared for such disasters, in order to enact a quick response.

Noting that many schools and other learning institutions indeed have disaster protocols in place, Either the definition of school includes learning institutions, or vice versa. I think this could easily be simplified to just ‘school’ or ‘learning institution’, preferably the former.

However, Concerned that some schools and other learning institutions are unprepared to handle a disaster, Why? Expand specifically on the necessity of drills, since they are the focus of your proposal.

Further concerned that students themselves could be harmed because of an institution's or their own unpreparedness,

Seeking that all schools and learning institutions practice safety drills and have disaster protocols in place, I don’t think ‘seeking’ is the best verb choice here. I suggest ‘Resolving that all schools should practice safety drills and have disaster protocols in place’.

Hereby,

1. Mandates all schools and learning institutions: As I briefly touched on earlier, having the phrase ‘schools and learning institutions’ everywhere is overly complicated and repetitive. Instead, begin by defining either ‘school’ or ‘learning institution’, with a definition that includes everything you want.
   
   
   1. Have a disaster plan for disasters that are specific to their location Ideally, you should have commas or semicolons after all of these subclauses. Also, I think more specificity would be good here. What sort of plans? What needs to be included?
      
      
   2. Teach all students the disaster protocols and how to behave during a disaster I think this should be for all students and staff, rather than just all students.
      
      
   3. Ensure that all students are aware of disaster protocols I think this would be covered in the above clause.
2. Recommends schools to:
   
   
   1. Notify underage students' parents after an emergency There should be a full stop here.

[Araraukar]

OOC: Given the latest version of this isn't school-specific, it could be easily expanded to be "schools and workplaces", and go in Regulation category, Safety area of effect.

[Tinhampton]

Masconvia submitted his OP about an hour ago, lightly edited below for formatting, as "school and workplace disaster preparedness" (yes, that's an all-lower-case title). I am still completely baffled as to why - in the name of all that is good, holy, or otherwise sacred - there is still a one-element list in Article 2.

The World Assembly,

Realizing that disasters can occur at a moment's notice, and such immediacy must be met with a quick and safe response

Noting that many schools and workplaces indeed have disaster protocols in place,

However, Concerned that some schools and workplaces are unprepared to handle a disaster,

Further concerned that students, staff, and employees themselves could be harmed because of an institution's or their own unpreparedness,

Resolving that all schools and workplaces practice safety drills and have disaster protocols in place,

Hereby,

1. Mandates all schools and workplaces:
   
   1. Have a disaster plan for disasters that are specific to their location. For example, if a workplace or school is located on a coastline, it must have a tsunami disaster plan. During an emergency, everyone must have a safe place to be;
   2. Perform drills for the disaster protocols, as drills are helpful in reminding students, staff, and employees what to do during an actual emergency.
   3. Teach all students, staff, and employees the disaster protocols and how to behave during a disaster;
2. Recommends schools and workplaces to:
   
   1. Notify underage students' and employee's parents after an emergency.

I do have a very major concern about the assumption made in Article 1a's assumption that all entities "located on a coastline [must] have tsunami disaster plans." Such a requirement would be useful to the inhabitants of Tokyo, Japan, but will hardly matter to the inhabitants of Great Yarmouth, United Kingdom.

[The Palentine]

Oh goody, we get to bring back teaching schoolchildren about how to "Duck and Cover."

Against!
Excelsior,
Sen. Horatio Sulla

[The New Sicilian State]

Oh goody, we get to bring back teaching schoolchildren about how to "Duck and Cover."

Against!
Excelsior,
Sen. Horatio Sulla

“Perhaps this is a decent opportunity to rename it to something more fitting, such as ‘cower under your desk as you await imminent nuclear obliteration.’”

[Ardiveds]

Oh goody, we get to bring back teaching schoolchildren about how to "Duck and Cover."

Against!
Excelsior,
Sen. Horatio Sulla

“Perhaps this is a decent opportunity to rename it to something more fitting, such as ‘cower under your desk as you await imminent nuclear obliteration.’”

"But first measure the mushroom with your thumb. If its smaller, you are safe."

[Foril]

1) For 1b), adding in something about how the drills should be frequent enough and/or regular, so that these places can’t just hold a drill once every 100 years (I’m exaggerating, but you get my point).

2) If this covers workplaces as well, I’d recommend you change the title to reflect that.