THIS refers to security for schools in the wake of the Peshawar attack. Educational institutions fall prey to terrorism easily owing to inadequate security arrangements.

Terrorists` main targets are armypatronised institutes and other systems of schools and colleges.

Installing costly electronic gadgets, hiring snipers are not the only option. Whynot begin with easy-to-manage things? Raising walls high enough to obstruct intrudersis the responsibility ofschools.

Making sure there are emergency exit-routes (even if a single door away from the main entrance) is yet another option.

More importantly, creating awareness does not cost at all. We may request 1122 or civil defence officials to lecture school managements, students and parents on how to taclcle an emergency situation.

Displaying important security checklists and emergency telephone numbers is easy to manage.

Another important thing is training teachers since they decide how to respond in any situation. Devising evacuation maps and using intruder alarms (even if a simple whistle) are possible options. However, without drills such plans cannot be ingrained into students` minds.

Such disasters help transform us into a nation. Let martyrdom of our children and teachers of APS, Peshawar, remain afresh.

Let this adversity revealthe bestin us.

S. Farhan Basit Principal, Army Public School & College, Sialkot