The Role of Disaster Preparedness Training in Shaping Students’ Attitudes Toward Earthquake Response

Disaster preparedness is a critical component of effective disaster risk reduction, particularly in earthquake-prone regions where timely response can save lives and mitigate damage.  Schools, being central institutions in shaping societal knowledge and behavior, play a crucial role in imparting disaster preparedness training to students. As young learners constitute a vulnerable group during seismic events, equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to respond effectively to earthquakes is paramount.  The study aimed at “The Role of Disaster Preparedness Training in Shaping Students’ Attitudes Toward Earthquake Response”. The objectives of the study were, 1) to investigate the current status of disaster management training during earthquake at school level. 2) To measure the attitude of students towards the need of disaster management training during earthquake at school level. The population for this research comprised employees working in higher secondary schools in the Rawalpindi/Islamabad area who are involved in disaster management, including both trained and untrained personnel, for the academic year 2023–2025. In the study, the sample size was expanded to increase the robustness and generalizability of the findings. The total population remained the same, comprising 1,480 students and 300 teachers. The sample included 148 students and 30 teachers, with a total sample size of 178 participants. Similar to the pilot study, the final study also achieved a 100% response rate. The findings indicate that most students do not feel adequately prepared for earthquakes, as 78% do not understand what to do, 92% believe drills are not conducted frequently enough, and 63% are unaware of safe zones. However, 100% trust their teachers' preparedness, 90% find drill instructions clear, and 70% acknowledge parental awareness of school safety plans. Hence, it is recommended that earthquake preparedness training should be intensified through more frequent drills and hands-on simulation exercises. Schools should integrate structured awareness programs that emphasize safe zone identification and emergency response measures. Additionally, parental involvement should be enhanced through regular communication and participation in school safety initiatives.