Flooding: Police Give 7 Advisories For School Children’s Safety In Anambra

As a result the heavy flooding caused by the heavy rainfall being experienced currently in the state which had already claimed many lives, including a school child, the Anambra state police command has issued seven advisories for the safety of school children.

The precautionary measures which were to be strictly observed by parents, guardians, caregivers, and, management of schools were contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the public relations officer of the state police command (PPRO), superintendent of police, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

According to the police command, parents and guardians were particularly advised to avoid allowing children to travel during heavy rainfall, especially where there are visible signs of flooding, strong water currents or water overflowing roads and drainage channels.

They were also warned to never allow children to cross flooded roads, bridges, drainage channels or waterways, regardless of how shallow or familiar the route may appear, because “floodwater can conceal open drains, erosion channels, culverts and other life-threatening hazards.”

They were further advised to supervise closely their schoolchildren before, during and after school hours, particularly where their homes or schools are located in flood-prone areas.

The police command also advised parents and guardians to maintain direct communication with schools and transport providers during severe weather conditions and confirm the safety and location of children before they commence their journey home.

They should teach children to stay away from floodwater, drainage channels, rivers, culverts and construction areas, and to move immediately to a safe and elevated location whenever flooding begins.

Parents, guardians and schools’ managements should prioritise safety over punctuality, and, where a route becomes flooded or unsafe, parents should not pressure children, school bus operators or other drivers to proceed through the area.

The police command also advised that it should be alerted promptly, including other other emergency responders whenever a child or any person is missing, stranded or endangered as a result of flooding.

The Command also urged motorists, school bus operators and other transporters conveying children to exercise extreme caution during rainfall and to discontinue movement whenever road conditions become unsafe.

The state command’s image-maker assured that the command through its Safe School initiatives and community policing structures, would continue to work with schools, communities and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen the safety and protection of children across the state.

“The safety of every child is a collective responsibility. Parents, schools, communities, transport operators and security agencies must remain vigilant and act promptly whenever severe weather poses a threat to life.

“If the road is flooded, do not take the risk. Turn back and seek a safer route,” the statement concluded.