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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(NAPSI)-The best way to cope with a crisis may be to prepare for the worst.
Fortunately, a free new guide that helps schools prepare for the worst is now available online from the National Education Association Health Information Network (NEA HIN), the health and safety nonprofit arm of NEA, which represents 3.2 million educators.
Developed with a grant from the Sprint Foundation, "School Crisis Guide: Help and Healing in a Time of Crisis" provides step-by-step advice for schools and districts to use before, during and after a crisis.
The new guide comes at a time when schools and college campuses nationwide are revamping their emergency response systems and updating safety preparedness practices.
"No one wants to think of the worst-case scenario, but knowing what to do in an emergency situation can be the difference between stability and upheaval," said NEA HIN Executive Director Jerald Newberry. "Schools increasingly understand that strong safety plans are a result of having everyone at the table together-including school employees, administrators, parents, students and first responders."
Here's how parents can prepare for a school crisis:
• Be informed. Learn about the prevention programs your school offers and how you can reinforce those teachings at home.
• Be aware. Teach your child the difference between tattling and reporting dangerous situations, and encourage your child to immediately share safety concerns with an adult.
• Be prepared. Develop a family plan for responding to crises such as fires, floods, tornadoes and hurricanes, or a medical emergency.
• Be a listener. Keep communication lines open with your child by asking questions like "What do you know?," "What have you heard?" and "What are your concerns?"
• Be educated. Find out about local, state and national tip lines where safety concerns can be shared anonymously.
"Whether it's a natural or human disaster, every school should have a crisis plan," said Newberry. "Parents, principals and students can take comfort in knowing that the answers to those questions are now just a click away."
Visit www.neahin.org for more tips, resources and emergency response information to help keep your child safe at school.
© 2007 by NEA Health Information Network. All Rights Reserved. Courtesy of NEA.
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