Springston Civil Defence Exercise

On Tuesday 26 October, at six o’clock the Springston School Civil Defence exercise began. The purpose of this event was to show children and parents how the Civil Defence can help us in a disaster.

First, many people enjoyed a sausage from the sausage sizzle for their tea, then the ‘show and tell’ started. Everybody went to the classrooms where the adults had the pleasure of looking at the students' work and the students had the proud feeling of showing off their work.

Second, the fun started. We heard the signal for an earthquake (the bell ringing on and off), so we quickly got underneath a table and waited until the all-clear bell was rung. Next the students lead their parents to the cricket pitch. When there’s a disaster the students know where the safe meeting place for the school is.

After that, everyone was split into two groups. One group went to the black court at the back of the school for an earthquake demonstration, while the other group went to the library for a talk on what it would be like at an emergency centre after a disaster. I first went with my family to the black court where the Fire Brigade and Red Cross did a precise entrance into the building, after making sure the electricity and water were off. From the building they rescued several people (who earlier had fake blood applied to different parts of their body, so they looked hurt and injured).

Next, my family and I went to the library which was set up a little like an emergency centre. While we were there, Carol from the Red Cross explained to us about what would happen and where we’d go if there was any type of disaster around Springston. Then she told us what would go on in the emergency centre after the disaster.

Finally, families brought forward their Emergency Kits for checking by Carol. Names of families who participated were put into a lucky dip, to win some prizes.

After talking to several students I found out that people really enjoyed the night and learnt a lot. So our thanks go to the Civil Defence and Red Cross - you not only educated us, you also entertained us!

By Courtney
Year 6