Earthquake Drill Tests Local School

Last Tuesday, every student at Riverside Primary School took part in an earthquake drill. The drill, which lasted only fifteen minutes, was watched by a team of safety experts.

At ten o'clock, a loud alarm was sounded. The children, who had been taught what to do, quickly climbed under their desks and held on. Teachers counted their students and checked that nobody was missing.

The region has not had a serious earthquake for many years. However, experts say that schools must be prepared. “An earthquake can happen at any time,” said Dr. Alvarez, who led the drill. “Buildings can be damaged in seconds. Children must know how to escape safely.”

The school, which was built forty years ago, was checked last summer. Some older walls, which were weak, have now been made stronger. New signs that show the way out have been placed in every hallway.

Not everyone is happy. Some parents feel that the drills frighten young children. But the head teacher disagrees. “A child who is prepared is a child who is safe,” she said. “We would rather practise a hundred times than be caught by surprise once.”

The school plans to hold another drill in the spring. Safety, the experts agree, is something that must be taught early and practised often.