Asserting that the strategy of incremental seismic rehabilitation makes it possible for schools to get started now on improving earthquake safety, this manual provides school administrators with the information necessary to assess the seismic vulnerability of their buildings and to implement a program of incremental seismic rehabilitation for…

This English/Spanish informational kit contains resource materials that school administrators and parents can use to take full advantage of the Healthy Schools Act of 2000 and help them eliminate hazardous pesticide use around their schools. The kit looks at how to organize community interest in least-toxic Integrated Pest Management policy, and…

Every aspect of coping with injuries and preventing injuries in school settings is covered in this book. It examines how and why students are injured and in what situations schools can be held responsible. It also explains how schools can provide a quick, efficient, and effective emergency response to injuries. How to collect injury data, how to…

This companion guidebook augments the Federal Emergency Management Agency's publication entitled "FEMA 154, Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards: A Handbook." The guidebook, which provides assistance in the use of the Rapid Screening Procedure (RSP), is intended for use by public school districts with…

This document presents guidelines on emergency response and business recovery for colleges and universities in the event of an earthquake. The guidelines, developed by California institutions and revised based on experience with the Northridge earthquake, are provided under the following headings: (1) "To the President or Chancellor";…

This brochure offers guidance on bleacher retrofitting to prevent falls, and suggests follow-up inspections and maintenance practices. Bleacher styles are described along with descriptions of bleacher-associated deaths, injuries, and hazards. Retrofitting recommendations are offered for guardrails and openings followed by retrofit strategies and…

A new lighting system at a Wisconsin elementary school involved replacing all the incandescent fixtures with either fluorescent, mercury vapor, or high-output fixtures. Group lamp replacement procedures instead of spot relamping are expected to save labor costs. (MLF)

In response to legislation, colleges and universities in several states must prepare to install sprinkler systems. Four basic issues an engineering study should examine include: whether the existing water service has the size, capacity, and pressure to support a sprinkler system; whether the protected facility will have to comply with more…

Explores reasons for the decline in the number of fires in college and university residence halls and describes a four-pronged program called PODS (Prevention, Occupant awareness, Detection, and Suppression) to help administrators organize fire-prevention efforts. (EV)

Discusses the importance of maintaining sprinkler systems in school facilities. Provides facts about sprinklers and describes steps to take after accidental discharges. (EV)

Looks at challenges to safe schools and offers eight suggestions for ensuring the safety of students and educators. Notes that school violence includes unacceptable social behavior ranging from aggression that threatens or harms others to bullying, threats, sexual harassment, gang violence, extortion, and other forms of intimidation. (SG)

At an Ohio school that serves 150 multiply handicapped children, maintenance staff spread some old insecticide around a storage shed in a misguided attempt to kill rodents. Cleanup efforts cost over $15,000. Advises schools to examine their policies regarding pesticides. Lists information sources and the availability of a booklet on pest control.…

Advises schools on how to identify and handle toxic mold in their buildings. Addresses the extent of the problem, offers a four-step approach toward remediation, and suggests questions to ask when mold has been identified. (EV)

Discusses preparing an educational facility to address the threat of biological or chemical terrorism, including understanding the potential impact, implementing information and communication systems, and improving medical surveillance and awareness. (EV)

Outdated, unknown, or unneeded amounts of dangerous or inappropriate chemicals are often found in K-12 schools across the nation, potentially putting students and staff at risk. Because of the nature of some of the chemicals, even small amounts may present a risk. Thus, dangerous chemicals represent one of the critical environmental health and…