The Islamia Model Public High School Hablishi, Kulgam, had a special day of learning and awareness when the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Unit Kulgam organized a comprehensive awareness camp within the school premises, an event that brought together teachers and students with the single aim of building a safer and more prepared society. The program was led by Mr. Mohd Abas Itoo, Assistant Sub-Inspector of SDRF, who delivered a detailed and interactive awareness lecture focusing on the importance of disaster management, the different types of hazards, and the preventive and positive checks that must be followed in our day-to-day life to minimize risks. His talk was not only informative but also practical, as he shared real-life examples of disasters such as floods, earthquakes, fires, and accidents, reminding students that while disasters cannot always be prevented, their impact can surely be reduced if people are alert, prepared, and trained. The lecture was attended in the presence of Mr. Ab Rasheed, Sub-Inspector of JK SDRF kulgam, and the Principal of the school, both of whom appreciated the efforts of the SDRF in spreading such essential knowledge among the younger generation, who are the torchbearers of tomorrow. The highlight of the program was not just the lecture but also the live demonstrations and practical drills that captured the attention of the entire student body.



 A special session was conducted on fire safety with a focus on handling gas cylinder fires, which are common hazards in households. Students were taught about the causes of cylinder fires, the importance of proper installation, timely checking of leakages, and the right method of using soap water to detect leaks. The team demonstrated how to put out small fires safely using fire extinguishers, blankets, and sand, and also explained the do’s and don’ts when dealing with a gas leak, such as not switching on electrical appliances and ensuring proper ventilation. To make the learning more effective, a mock fire drill was held where students were guided step by step on how to evacuate a place calmly without creating panic, how to move in queues, and how to assist younger children or those in need. The drill created a sense of seriousness among the students, making them realize that awareness is not just theory but also action. 

Another important part of the awareness camp was the training on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), a lifesaving technique that can make a big difference in emergencies such as heart attacks, drowning, or unconsciousness due to accidents. 



The SDRF officers patiently showed the correct hand positions, the rhythm of compressions, and the mouth-to-mouth breathing method, encouraging students to practice on dummies and learn this technique with confidence. The students, who were initially shy, soon came forward one by one and tried the procedure under the guidance of the officers, showing their enthusiasm to become responsible citizens who can help in times of need. Besides CPR, students were also taught various basic rescue techniques such as the correct way of carrying an injured person, using makeshift stretchers, and providing first aid for burns, fractures, and bleeding. 





These practical lessons, though simple, left a strong impression on young minds because they realized that disasters can strike anywhere, anytime, and it is the quick presence of mind and knowledge of these small techniques that can save lives before professional help arrives. The officers repeatedly stressed that disaster management is not only the job of the government or the SDRF but also a shared responsibility of the community, where each individual can play a role in reducing risks and helping others. They reminded students that small acts like keeping school bags away from exit doors, knowing emergency numbers, or simply staying calm in a crisis can prove to be lifesaving. Teachers too actively participated in the drills and encouraged students to take the sessions seriously, as such knowledge is not part of everyday classroom teaching but is equally important as academics. The Principal of the school in his concluding remarks praised the SDRF officers for their time and effort and highlighted that such awareness camps bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing students not just for exams but for real-life challenges. He emphasized that in a place like Kashmir, where natural disasters like earthquakes and floods are common, such preparedness is all the more necessary. The students expressed their gratitude and excitement, saying that they had learned things they had only seen in movies or read in books, but now they had seen and practiced them in real life. Some even shared that they would go home and teach their parents and siblings about the cylinder safety techniques and CPR, proving that the camp had planted seeds of awareness that would spread beyond the school walls. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, but the learning carried by the students will remain for long. What made the camp special was its practical approach and the way it connected with the daily lives of students. It was not just about big disasters like earthquakes or floods but also about everyday hazards like gas leaks, electrical short circuits, road accidents, and health emergencies. The SDRF team highlighted that awareness, discipline, and practice are the key to minimizing damage in disasters. They explained that prevention is always better than cure, but when prevention fails, preparedness and the ability to respond quickly can save lives. They also spoke about the psychological side of disasters, urging students to stay positive, support each other, and never give up hope in difficult times. Overall, the awareness camp organized by SDRF Unit Kulgam at Islamia Model Public High School Hablishi was a complete learning experience that went beyond textbooks and classrooms, giving both students and teachers a real sense of responsibility towards their own safety and the safety of others. With demonstrations on fire safety, mock drills, CPR training, first aid, and preventive checks, it was a powerful reminder that disasters do not give warnings but preparedness does give us power. Such programs play a crucial role in shaping young generations into brave, alert, and compassionate citizens who can face challenges with courage. The presence of senior officers like Mr. Mohd Abas Itoo and Mr. Ab Rasheed, along with the guidance of the Principal, added both weight and encouragement to the program, ensuring that its message was well received and remembered. The day ended with smiling faces, stronger hearts, and wiser minds, ready to carry the lessons forward into their lives and communities, proving once again that awareness is the first step to resilience and resilience is the foundation of a safe society.