Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Following the recent heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of the State, which tragically resulted in the death of a school pupil, the Anambra State Police Command advises parents, guardians and caregivers to exercise heightened vigilance and take necessary precautions to protect schoolchildren during periods of severe weather. This was contained in a statement signed by SP. Ikenga Tochukwu, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, Awka.
The statement reads: “Parents and guardians are particularly advised to:
* “Avoid allowing children to travel during heavy rainfall, especially where there are visible signs of flooding, strong water currents or water overflowing roads and drainage channels.
* Never allow children to cross flooded roads, bridges, drainage channels or waterways, regardless of how shallow or familiar the route may appear. Floodwater can conceal open drains, erosion channels, culverts and other life-threatening hazards.
* Closely supervise schoolchildren before, during and after school hours, particularly where their homes or schools are located in flood-prone areas.
* Maintain direct communication with schools and transport providers during severe weather conditions and confirm the safety and location of children before they commence their journey home.
* Teach children to stay away from floodwater, drainage channels, rivers, culverts and construction areas, and to move immediately to a safe and elevated location whenever flooding begins.
* Prioritise safety over punctuality. Where a route becomes flooded or unsafe, parents should not pressure children, school bus operators or other drivers to proceed through the area.
* Promptly alert the Police or other emergency responders whenever a child or any person is missing, stranded or endangered as a result of flooding.
“The Command also urges motorists, school bus operators and other transporters conveying children to exercise extreme caution during rainfall and to discontinue movement whenever road conditions become unsafe.
“Through its Safe School initiatives and community policing structures, the Anambra State Police Command continues to work with schools, communities and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen the safety and protection of children across the State.
“The safety of every child is a collective responsibility. Parents, schools, communities, transport operators and security agencies must remain vigilant and act promptly whenever severe weather poses a threat to life.
“If the road is flooded, do not take the risk. Turn back and seek a safer route, ” it also added. END
