Towards a Disaster Preparedness School: Mapping of Disaster Mitigation Evacuation Routes at SMP Muhammadiyah Sewon Bantul, Special Region of Yogyakarta

Abstract

Abstract. Indonesia is a country with a large population, with geographical conditions traversed by confluence of earth's plates that are actively moving, so that the area is prone to disasters. With these natural disasters, residents must be prepared for various kinds of disasters in order to save lives and minimize material losses and casualties. The level of preparedness for natural disasters should be instilled from the earliest possible age. One of the Muhammadiyah schools that is being reviewed in this service proposal is Muhammadiyah Middle School Sewon Bantul. This junior high school is located in Bandung Kulon, Pendowoharjo, Sewon. Bantul, Special Region of Yogyakarta. Looking historically, the Special Province of Yogyakarta is one of the areas in Indonesia which is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, exposure to volcanic ash from Mount Merapi, and cold lava. This school has general junior high school grade levels, namely grades seven, eight, and nine. From preliminary surveys and personal communications made to school administrators, it is known that there is no information and planning regarding natural disaster preparedness, and infrastructure related to evacuation routes and gathering points in the event of a natural disaster such as an earthquake. Departing from the problems found and described above, it is deemed necessary to carry out community service at the school in relation to mapping the existing conditions of spatial functions, planning evacuation routes and assembly points, as well as outreach regarding disaster preparedness. It is hoped that with this community service, students can better understand and be aware of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters such as earthquakes, not causing panic, and reducing the risks of losses that can result from natural disasters. In the long term, it is hoped that with optimal assistance, teachers can guide students so they can be more prepared for natural disasters such as earthquakes and furthermore, insert in the subjects taught to junior high school students related to natural disaster preparedness.