School Planning Guide
Schools and colleges need to prepare for a major disaster. In
such an event, school
administrators and teachers will have to be self-sufficient-relying
on their own resources to care for students and the surrounding
community until outside help is available.
It is wise for Washington's public and private K-12 schools to
develop emergency plans and conduct "drop, cover and hold"
drills. Schools, children and their families need more information
and education on disaster preparedness measures.
Here are ways your school can take part in this important public
education campaign in April and throughout the year:
- Conduct a school drill to test emergency plans and procedures.
Make sure you test communications systems, evacuation plans, search
and rescue activities and first aid techniques (For planning assistance,
contact your city or county emergency management agency.)
- Secure and anchor equipment and furniture including bookshelves,
cabinets, computers, typewriters, water heaters, other gas appliances
and lab equipment-that may present a threat during an earthquake.
- Encourage all staff and students to prepare a disaster plan
for their families.
- Send information home to parents on the school's emergency
policies and procedures.
- Update information on "emergency notification cards."
- Conduct in-service training workshops on first aid, shelter
management, damage assessment and other related topics for school
staff.
- Dedicate a special class or school assembly to the effects
of disasters and the importance of proper preparation.
- Display preparedness information at high traffic areas in
your school.
- Conduct a "hazard hunt" to find non-structural hazards
in classrooms and offices.
- Assemble emergency kits which include important safety information
and first aid supplies.
- Conduct fund-raising activities to raise moneys for preparedness
supplies and equipment.
Washington State Military Department, Emergency Management
Division