Outstanding issues to reduce the vulnerability of education facilities
Schools are a priority for the security of every country. Protection of the education infrastructure is not only vital for development, but in the event of a disaster schools are often used as shelters. Therefore every means must be used to reduce their vulnerability to natural and man-made hazards. To this end, design and building codes need to be implemented and enforced and construction materials and techniques monitored. All of this requires that adequate investments be made. Standards need to be agreed and surveys undertaken to evaluate buildings needing improvement. Technical staff need to be trained to carry out these measures; new institutions may be needed to oversee the programs. The participation of local organizations (municipalities, NGOs, professional) should be facilitated for the task of assessing the vulnerability of schools and determining appropriate mitigation measures.