UNS — An Academic Member from Geography Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Dr. Rita Noviani shares safe tips for disaster shelter management during the Pandemic. According to the National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), until January 28th, 2021, there was 236 natural disaster in Indonesia. These disasters are dominated by floods, considering that this month the rain intensity is quite high. The disasters forced the people to stay in temporary disaster shelters. While other can stay in other relatives house, others must stay in camps. With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the camps are more likely to be one of the Covid-19 spread clusters.
Dr. Rita, who currently also a peer group in the Disaster Study Center, Institute for Research and Community Engagement (LPPM) UNS, states that there must be special handling in disaster camps. “When possible, the evacuees should be placed in a governmental building. If this option is not possible, then undoubtedly tents will be the best option, but only if the administrator pays attention to health protocols,” Dr. Rita explains.
Dr. Rita gives tips for the administrator to avoid the Covid-19 spread. First, the site must have good air circulation. Poor air circulation will accelerate virus transmission. Second, a shelter must be sprayed with disinfectant regularly. This step is to reduce the probability of virus transmission through the surface of objects in the evacuation. Third, limiting the number of evacuees in each shelter. If usually, a shelter can accommodate tens to hundreds of evacuees, during this pandemic the system must be revised. The administrator can group the evacuees on a family basis.
Moreover, all evacuees must wear a surgical mask or medical mask for increased protection. Cloth masks or scuba masks, especially those with only one layer, are not recommended for use in evacuation sites, because of their low protection. Lastly, evacuees and administrators must be committed be disciplined to comply with health protocols. They must always wear a mask even when talking, washing hands diligently, and avoiding the crowd. Hopefully, with those five steps, the evacuees can avoid the transmission of Covid-19. Humas UNS
Reporter: Ida Fitriyah
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
