The word "terrorism" has become commonplace in the headlines, workplaces, and homes since September 11, 2001. In the past, school crisis plans commonly addressed how to evacuate in the event of a gas leak or fire. Today, schools must be prepared to address biological, chemical, and radiological attacks, as well as car bombings, suicide attacks,…

If a flu pandemic breaks out in the United States, as many as 4 in 10 school-age children will become sick, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which released a comprehensive plan on how it would deal with such an outbreak. The nearly 400-page plan says the department would consider measures such as closing schools early…

An influenza (flu) pandemic is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new flu virus appears that can spread easily from person to person. Although it is difficult to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur or how severe it will be, effects can be lessened if preparations are made ahead of time. The illness rates for both…

On Monday, August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina and the floodwaters from the breeched levees destroyed all 14 schools in Louisiana's St. Bernard Parish. Although most residents had been evacuated before the hurricane hit, 1,500 men, women, and children rode out the storm in Chalmette High School. The district superintendent and the school leadership…

The nation's public schools played a critical role in the response to Hurricane Katrina, and they continue to contribute to the recovery of individual families and entire communities. By enrolling displaced children with compassion and efficiency in areas unaffected by the storms, providing parents with information and assistance, and supporting…

School preparedness includes the possibility of a natural disaster, but recent events also confirm a need for preparedness and prevention efforts for intentional mass casualty incidents (MCIs). This survey examined the preparedness for the prevention and response for MCIs at public schools in Arkansas. This survey demonstrated that most school…

Teamwork and cooperation were the keys in restoring school service in Berkeley County (South Carolina) 17 days after Hurricane Hugo. Offers school districts tips on what to do both before an emergency strikes and in the aftermath. Lists information available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (MLF)

When there is the unexpected disaster of any kind, school personnel, students, parents and communities expect to rely on communication and critical services such as payroll and access to student information the district provides and therefore the technology that supports them. Disaster recovery of IT-related operations and information is critical…

Guidelines to help local school systems in Maryland develop a comprehensive emergency plan and to increase student awareness are offered in this handbook. Following the introduction, chapter 1 outlines the roles of all participants in emergency planning and response. Chapter 2 describes the process for preparing an emergency plan, including…

A disturbed student armed with a rifle terrified a rural high school. Although the student was disarmed without harming anyone, a crisis game plan was needed. Offers suggestions for administrators to prepare for a potentially lethal crisis. (MLF)

Educators are not preparing adequately for the possibility of a sudden catastrophe. Outlines a disaster recovery plan and the duties of a disaster recovery team. Lists 10 short-term disaster recovery procedures. (MLF)

When Issaquah (Washington) superintendent, after battling a brain tumor, entered the hospital for the last time, school district had to develop a crisis plan to deal with the possible death of the superintendent. A contingency planning team developed a telephone tree for school officials to keep in close contact with teachers and administrators.…

An investigation into guidance and support offered schools by 17 (British) local education authorities found considerable variations. Every school should have a senior management team member responsible for critical incident planning. Schools need guidance in preventing and handling floods, fires, structural damage, and violent incidents. (21…

Despite all its efforts to crack down on the bomb scares that disrupted classes again and again in 2003, North Carolina's Orange County district fell victim to yet another false alarm this school year, 2004. For some schools, bomb threats have become more routine than fire drills, with each incident ringing up multi-thousand-dollar tabs for…

Nebraska school districts are advised that they need to prepare for a potential future shortfall in energy, particularly in liquid fuels. This document was written as a guide for planning and policy development concerning energy emergencies in the schools. Energy emergencies are divided into three categories. A phase 1 emergency would be a…