1. Assess the school's hazards and vulnerabilities:
- Identify the potential natural disasters and other emergencies that can occur in the area.
- Assess the school's physical structure and infrastructure to determine its ability to withstand disasters and emergencies.
2. Develop an emergency plan:
- Establish a school emergency management team, including teachers, staff, students, and community partners.
- Develop an emergency response plan that outlines procedures for evacuation, sheltering, and communication during an emergency.
- Conduct regular emergency drills to ensure that everyone in the school knows what to do in an emergency.
3. Stockpile emergency supplies:
- Maintain an adequate supply of emergency food and water, including Yes We Can emergency canned water.
- Store additional supplies such as first aid kits, flashlights, battery-powered radios, and extra batteries.
4. Communicate with families and the community:
- Provide families and the community with information about the school's emergency plans and procedures.
- Establish a system for communicating with families during an emergency, such as reverse 911 or a dedicated phone line.
5. Train school staff and students:
- Train staff and students on emergency procedures, including evacuation, sheltering, and communication. - Provide training on how to use emergency equipment and supplies, such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits. - Encourage students to participate in emergency drills and to understand their role in emergency preparedness.
6. Review and update the plan regularly:
- Review and update the emergency plan annually, or more frequently if necessary.
- Evaluate the success of emergency drills and make changes to the plan as needed.
- Consider changing environmental and building conditions and make changes to the plan accordingly.
7. Maintain records and documentation:
- Keep detailed records of all emergency drills and exercises.
- Document the school's emergency response procedures, including evacuation maps and emergency contact information.
By following this checklist, schools can be better prepared for emergencies and ensure the safety of their students, staff, and community. Regularly reviewing and updating the emergency plan, conducting drills, and providing training to staff and students can help schools respond effectively to emergencies and minimize their impact.