The Grant Team (Independent Learning Independent Campus) MBKM Sebelas Maret University Surakarta – implemented a program to strengthen Disaster Safe Education Units in elementary schools. The program was implemented on Monday, May 6, 2024 at SD Negeri 01 Berjo. SDN 01 Berjo is located in Tagung Hamlet, Berjo Village, Ngargoyoso District, Karanganyar Regency.
Given that Ngargoyoso District is located on the slopes of Mount Lawu, it has a high potential for natural disasters, particularly landslides. The SPAB program, intended for elementary school students, aims to equip students with independent preparedness when a disaster occurs in their area. The UNS MBKM Grant Team consists of 10 students. This education program is conducted by the MBKM Grant Team from the Geography Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, UNS. The team visits schools considered vulnerable to disasters and provides outreach.
According to Arga, the UNS MBKM Team provides outreach on natural disasters in general and the potential for natural disasters to occur in the area surrounding the school. Following the general presentation, the most important aspect of this program is training and providing students with the necessary steps to take when a disaster occurs in their environment.
The material presented includes definitions and emergency response procedures for droughts, forest or building fires, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and landslides. They also discuss natural signs of impending disasters. For example, landslides are characterized by bad weather and rumbling sounds from underground. Floods are characterized by rising surface water in rivers or waterways, and so on. The material is delivered using audio-visual media, utilizing interactive videos. This allows students to be more enthusiastic and easily understand the main content. For example, in the event of an earthquake, students are taught how to save themselves. These include taking shelter in a sturdy building structure, staying under a desk, staying away from glass and other easily falling objects, escaping the room and finding an open location away from buildings, power lines, and trees. Simulations also show students protecting themselves from building debris, running to a safe assembly point and following the directions of authorized personnel.
The principal of SDN 01 Berjo, Mr. Abu, stated, “Disaster socialization and simulation programs have never been conducted at this elementary school. Yet, these skills are crucial for students to acquire. Moreover, this school has experienced landslides.”
Overall, the disaster mitigation socialization and simulation program ran smoothly and was met with enthusiasm by the children.