Related Information Safety and Preparedness

As a parent you have the right and responsibility to know how your child's school and school district handle emergencies. Emergency policies vary from school to school, private to public, but schools in all districts of which we are aware are under mandate to have the policy in writing. Ask for a copy of the emergency plan. Satisfy yourself that it has all of the following elements. Teachers and staff will welcome parents who show a constructive and cooperative interest.

The policy should include:

• Emergency supplies to accommodate children for at least 24 hrs.
• A procedure to handle injured children.
• Staff documented and trained in first aid and CPR.
• An emergency system to contact public health officials and care providers, as well as a contact person outside of the area who can relay information and updates.
• Ask who at the school you should contact if there's been an emergency. Learn the phone number and mobile phone number of this contact person and the alternate contact person. Learn where to go to make contact if the phone lines are not usable.
• A posted evacuation plan.
• Learn to what emergency treatment facilities children will be taken, and to what alternate facilities.
• Check to see that emergency drills are conducted regularly. Know who conducts them, whether school personnel, fire department, etc.
• A posted site plan showing all gas, water, electric cut-offs.

• Your child's updated emergency form. This should include environmental and drug allergies.
• If your child uses medication, make sure the school has some on hand. Include allergy medication.
• List all phone numbers where you can be reached. Update, if you are going to be out of your usual area. Include numbers for as many alternate emergency contacts as necessary to ensure that school personnel will be able to reach someone if you're un available. List the names and numbers of those who you authorize to take your child off campus.