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Emergency Management: Status of School Districts’ Planning and Preparedness
Title: Emergency Management: Status of School Districts’ Planning and Preparedness
Date: May 17, 2007
Author: Cornelia M. Ashby
Institution: United States Department of Homeland Security
Bibliographic Entry: Ashby, Cornelia M. “Emergency Management: Status of School Districts’ Planning and Preparedness.” http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07821t.pdf. (accessed June 4, 2007).
Electronic Link: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07821t.pdf
Key Words: Emergency Management, DHS Funding, school safety, schools emergency management plan
Summary of Key Points, Issues, Conclusions:
While there is currently no federal law that requires schools to have an emergency management plan, 32 states require this of their school districts. There is however, a discrepancy in funding, as the DHS allocates funding, but schools are not clearly defined as entities that are able to fully receive federal funding, so it goes often unallocated. Included with the report is a list of recommended practices made by the DHS to schools to develop emergency management plans, and ensure the safety of those in the schools. Studies are included which detail procedures currently in place pertaining to the continuation of education in case of an emergency, steps taken and necessity of procedures taken for special needs students, and the necessity of involvement of local government, first responders, and public health officials and agents. The challenges that schools face dealing with emergency preparedness while educating students and attempting to communicate with first responders and parents during any potential incident are also detailed within the report.
Name of Researcher: Crystal Boson
Institution: Integrative Center for Homeland Security, Texas A&M University
Date Posted: June 4, 2007