Knowledge on Fire Disaster Preparedness among Heads of Schools, Teachers and Students in Secondary Schools in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge on fire disaster preparedness among heads of schools, teachers and students in secondary schools in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. This study was guided by the Protection Motivation Theory (1975). This study employed cross-sectional survey research design under quantitative research approach and used stratified sampling to obtain the study sample. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to heads of schools, teachers, and students. The data were analyzed quantitatively through descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that respondents were moderately knowledgeable on fire disaster preparedness. Furthermore, the study revealed significant statistical difference in perceived level of knowledge on fire disaster preparedness between teachers in public and private secondary schools; and between teachers and students in secondary schools. The study concluded that only a fair number of respondents could effectively and efficiently respond to fire disasters, if they occurred at school and recommended for inter alia, regular training on fire safety, and integration of fire disaster management topics particularly, on fire disaster preparedness in the secondary education syllabi.