Beyond the Alarm: Preparedness of A Private School Institution on Emergency Situations
Krisnah Niña P. Pendon1, Anne Bonneville B. Frivaldo2, Kenneth Gabrel S. Laran3, Mikaella G. Maglanoc4, Cian Ezekiel M. Tumbali5, Rose Regine E. Canales6
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9839-53691, https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5668-81952,
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8068-534X3, https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7958-04414, https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2483-98545, https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0618-39726
pendonkrisnahnina@gmail.com1, annefrivaldo07@gmail.com2, kennethlaran1@gmail.com3, maglanocme08@gmail.com4, cianezetumbali@gmail.com5, rosereginee@gmail.com
Lyceum of the Philippines Davao1-6
Garcia Highway, Buhangin District, Davao City, Philippines
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54476/ioer-imrj/074849
ABSTRACT
This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of Grade 12 and College students of an independent higher education institution regarding their school’s emergency preparedness during real-time crises. The participants of this study were purposively selected students from various academic strands and year levels, all of whom experienced an actual emergency event—specifically, an earthquake. Data were gathered through pre-surveys and in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was applied to identify dominant themes from participant responses. The essential themes in the lived experiences of students during emergency drills compared to real-time crises are: Controlled vs. Chaotic Response, Emotional and Psychological Impact, and Gaps in Preparedness and Communication. For coping mechanisms, the essential themes are Preparedness and Awareness, Emotional and Social Support, and Guidance and Rule-Following. Lastly, the key themes from the students’ insights and recommendations are: Enhanced Communication Systems, Comprehensive Training and Drills, and Clear Evacuation and Safety Procedures. These findings highlight the importance of realistic emergency drills, emotional preparedness, and inclusive communication strategies to improve school emergency protocols and ensure student safety.
Keywords: Phenomenology, Emergency Preparedness, Real-Time Crisis, Student Experiences, Thematic Analysis, Disaster Response, School Safety
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