Schools prepare to reopen on Monday
TNN | Updated: Nov 5, 2017, 00:38 IST
Chennai: Waters have receded and most schools are readying themselves for the reopening, but public health experts say managements must ensure safety and hygiene on campuses before they reopen schools.
Health department and disaster management cells are providing advisories and support to schools and colleges that were inundated with water. "Many educational institutions are prone to risk because they have large playgrounds where water was stagnant. Even after the water is dried, there will be a lot of sludge and muck like garbage and sometimes carcasses," said Dr K Kolandaswamy, director of public health.
Many reptiles and insects may have got inside the classroom. "Pest control services should be engaged inside classrooms, besides washing them clean. In the playground and gardens bleaching powder, a disinfectant that kills harmful microbes, should be used," he said. Overhead tanks and drinking water stations should be cleaned and refilled. Fogging should also be undertaken if mosquitoes have increased.
On Friday many school managements told TOI that their canteen staff have been instructed to serve only boiled water and freshly cooked food to students. "We have been asked to advise students to wash their hands with soap and use hand sanitisers before and after eating food," said Sabitha S, an elementary schoolteacher in Anna Nagar. The school has also prepared posters to educate students about how contaminated drinking water, food and mosquito menace could pose health problems on campuses.
A disaster management cell official, who visited a school in Egmore, found damage to windows, walls and roofs. "We have asked the school to check power points and electrical equipment before children are allowed on campus. Although water had receded, the corridors and sidewalks were slippery," said the official.
Zonal officers from corporation and health department officials have offered support to school managements. School managements can dial 104 for technical advice and support.
Chennai: Waters have receded and most schools are readying themselves for the reopening, but public health experts say managements must ensure safety and hygiene on campuses before they reopen schools.
Health department and disaster management cells are providing advisories and support to schools and colleges that were inundated with water. "Many educational institutions are prone to risk because they have large playgrounds where water was stagnant. Even after the water is dried, there will be a lot of sludge and muck like garbage and sometimes carcasses," said Dr K Kolandaswamy, director of public health.
Many reptiles and insects may have got inside the classroom. "Pest control services should be engaged inside classrooms, besides washing them clean. In the playground and gardens bleaching powder, a disinfectant that kills harmful microbes, should be used," he said. Overhead tanks and drinking water stations should be cleaned and refilled. Fogging should also be undertaken if mosquitoes have increased.
On Friday many school managements told TOI that their canteen staff have been instructed to serve only boiled water and freshly cooked food to students. "We have been asked to advise students to wash their hands with soap and use hand sanitisers before and after eating food," said Sabitha S, an elementary schoolteacher in Anna Nagar. The school has also prepared posters to educate students about how contaminated drinking water, food and mosquito menace could pose health problems on campuses.
A disaster management cell official, who visited a school in Egmore, found damage to windows, walls and roofs. "We have asked the school to check power points and electrical equipment before children are allowed on campus. Although water had receded, the corridors and sidewalks were slippery," said the official.
Zonal officers from corporation and health department officials have offered support to school managements. School managements can dial 104 for technical advice and support.
No comments:
Post a Comment