Schools need to prepare for a major damaging earthquake. In such an event, school administrators and teachers will have to be self-sufficient, relying on their own resources to protect and care for the student population and the immediate surrounding communities until outside assistance is available. The California Education Code requires public and private schools, K-12, to develop emergency plans and to conduct "drop, cover and hold" drills. However, our schoolchildren and their families need more information and education on earthquake safety and preparedness measures.

Your school can take part throughout the year by:

·        Conducting a school drill to test emergency plans and procedures. Make sure you test communications systems, evacuation plans, search and rescue activities, and first aid techniques.

·        Securing and anchoring school equipment and furniture including bookshelves, cabinets, computers and typewriters that may present a threat during an earthquake.

·        Encouraging all school staff and students to prepare an earthquake emergency plan for their families.

·        Sending information home for parents on the school's emergency policies and procedures.

·        Updating information on "emergency notification cards."

·        Conducting in-service training workshops on first aid, shelter management, damage assessment and other related topics for school staff.

·        Dedicating a special class or school assembly to the effects of earthquakes and the importance of proper preparation.

·        Displaying preparedness information at high traffic areas in your school.

·        Conducting a hazard hunt in classrooms and offices.

·        Assembling emergency kits which include important safety information and first aid supplies.

·        Planning a "field trip" to an earthquake preparedness exhibit near your school.

·        Conducting fundraising activities to raise monies to purchase earthquake preparedness supplies and equipment.

Procedures for Personal Safety and Security

1.  Devise a signal for announcing an emergency situation. This signal may differ depending on the type of emergency and available devices.

2.  Identify who can declare an emergency and under what conditions.

3.  Provide an emergency kit to each classroom and designate the students responsible for taking the kit when students leave the classroom during an emergency. The kit should contain, at a minimum, the following items:

·        A copy of all class rosters and emergency telephone numbers for each student;

·        A white sheet that could be used for bandages and plastic gloves for protection;

·        Triage tags to record the student's name and person to whom the student has been released;

·        A large tarp to cover students in the event of rain;

·        A large, brightly colored, laminated sign on a stick with the teacher's name clearly printed in the event a student becomes lost during an emergency drill;

·        Candy and gum (helps reduce an anxious or dry mouth during an emergency);

·        Playing cards or small games that can occupy and distract students during the emergency; and

·        A small blanket.

4.  For special education students, augment the emergency kit to include the following items:

·        Name cards posted by the door;

·        Current significant medical information;

·        Agreements to include medical treatment;

·        Medications, as necessary;

·        A strobe light for deaf students;

·        Picture cue cards for neurologically involved or significantly delayed students; and

·        American Sign Language cue cards.

5. Develop clear instructions for operating the contingency plan, and regularly train staff.