Whether you are a school administrator, a member of the PTA or a parent of a child in the school, your goal is the same: safety and security of the kids while they are attending school.
 At More Prepared, we are especially concerned about the preparedness of schools. While some schools are extremely well prepared with comprehensive emergency plans and supplies in place,  there are also schools that do not regularly update their plans or supplies. Many states require disaster preparedness as part of their standard operating procedures. In California, for example, schools must have a disaster plan, hold periodic “drop, cover & hold” drills and train their staff on what to do during an emergency.
At a minimum, all schools should address the following:
- Identify hazards in the school, especially in the classroom, and mitigate them
- Identify escape routes and draw out a map for each classroom to post on their door. Hold regular evacuation drills so everyone knows where they are supposed to go.
- Identify the needs of students and staff with disabilities
- Prepare onsite shelter plans
- Gather emergency supplies and equipment. At a minimum, you will need to store non-perishable food, water, emergency blankets, first aid kits, flashlights, and emergency radios. A classroom lockdown kit may be necessary in the event of a lockdown as most classrooms do not have a bathroom of its own. Some schools prefer to provide an individual survival kit for each student.
- Set up plans for releasing students and school personnel
- Communicate the plan to students, staff and parents
- Keep updated emergency contact information for each student in each class as well as with the emergency supplies.
- Use furniture straps to secure tall shelves to the wall if necessary, keep heavier items on lower shelves and desks away from windows.
Detailed information from the state of California:
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