All schools have a disaster and emergency plan in the event of a natural disaster or even man made. Several times per year, schools will run drills to practice and prepare for an emergency. As parents you need to be informed about what to do during an emergency – so if you are not 100% sure if your school is up-to-date with their disaster preparedness then all you have to do is ASK.
Check out our School Earthquake Preparedness Guide and Checklist, I've put together all the important things that matter to a school and help you to create a real world plan and response to an emergency.
So here are the major points that you need to be aware of:
1. School Emergency Preparedness Plan
Every school should have an organized and structured disaster and emergency plan in prevent loss of life and property. A plan will provide an organized effort on behalf of the staff to carry out the directions of the incident commander. You should ask school officials how often they exercise their safety procedures. Most schools may be apprehensive to share all facets of their plans, so make yourself available to learn and participate in school drills and planning.
You can also check this Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operation Plans.
2. How would you reunite with your child in case of emergency in school
Talk to the school and find out how the school would notify you in the event of an emergency. You should also update emergency contact information yearly. Any changes to your office, name, address or phone number should be reported to the school. This is to make sure that they have the most up to date information to reach you during an emergency.
As a parent you can make an emergency card that includes important personal information. You can use the infographic below to use as your emergency backpack card. Consider laminating their emergency card and picking a secure place in their backpack where their card can be quickly found.
Help your kids memorize important family information like address, and phone number.
In some emergency situations, schools may not be able to access emergency contact files. Make sure your child has at least 2 contact numbers and your home address memorized.