4. Planning Levels

4.2. Planning by Schools

School and Child Care Emergency Planning

Public and private schools also need emergency response plans. 

School plans should consider the most frequent accidents as well as unusual situations (e.g., fires, school violence, terrorist attacks, chemical exposures, community violence).

School plans should include details on how urgent medical care can be provided when needed on site. Plans should include training for school staff in basic life support, first aid, and rescue techniques.

School disaster plans should also address the identification and management of post-traumatic stress in students and staff members, as well as indications for referral for professional psychological intervention.

Reopening Schools After a Disaster

Following a disaster, children often need the security of a normal routine and support of teachers and peers. Closing schools for a prolonged period negatively impacts the functioning of children after a disaster. Every effort should be made to open schools as soon as possible after an event. Use of school buildings as emergency shelters may hinder or complicate their reopening. Therefore, coordination between schools and relief agencies such as the Red Cross or the local organization for emergency management will assist in the transition to normal operations. More information regarding school disaster planning can be found at the American Academy of Pediatrics website: http://www.aap.org/disasters/schools.cfm.

Child Care Centers

Child care centers also need a plan to ensure the safety of children, to coordinate with other community response agencies, and to provide a method for reuniting children with family members. Child care centers need to educate and train staff members to implement the emergency plan efficiently.

Safety in shelters is as important as safety at home. Keep drugs, medical supplies, and potentially dangerous personal items out of children’s reach.

Children With Special Health-Care Needs

Families, schools, and child care centers must consider how to help children with special health-care needs in an emergency situation. The AAP and the American College of Emergency Physicians have published an emergency information form (EIF) for children with special needs. This document provides important medical information about the child to any person responsible for their emergency medical care.