Date:19/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/19/stories/2006121904860200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Others

On tackling disasters

Staff Reporter

Training programme for Scout Masters, Guide Captains

INFORMATION: Additional Superintendent of Police, Pudukottai, P. Moorthy, addressing participants.

PUDUKOTTAI: A training programme on disaster management for the Scout Masters and Guide Captains was organised by the Bharat Scouts and Guides here recently.

Officials from various departments enlightened the participants about disasters, the ways to react during times of emergency and the need to be in a state of preparedness.

The programme saw practical demonstration on rescue works by the Fire and Rescue Services Department personnel.

Around 80 Scout Masters and Guide Captains participated in the programme, which was inaugurated by the District Educational Officer and District Scouts Commissioner, M. Chandrasekaran.

The Additional Superintendent of Police, Pudukottai, P. Moorthy, gave a lecture touching various aspects, including what disaster actually meant, its types, natural and man-made, the need for a disaster management plan, its components and the role of police in times of emergency.

Mr. Moorthy also spoke about rumours, which are spread during times of crisis, the adverse effect it could have on society and the ways to contain them.

N. Bhuvaneshwari, honorary secretary, St. John Ambulance Association, Pudukottai, spoke on first aid and about the immediate medical help for the affected persons.