Introduction to Phases of Emergency Management

For purposes of this guide, “emergency” is defined as:

A sudden, generally unanticipated event that has the potential to profoundly and negatively impact a significant segment of the school population.

In order to create and maintain a viable Emergency Response Plan there must be a high level of understanding and consistency of thought among all of the partners.  Typically school districts will create a district support team that provides assistance to schools and other entities within the school district.  This consistency of thought (and the individual plan) is built around the four phases of emergency management; they are (1) mitigation/prevention (2) preparedness, (3) response and (4) recovery.  Each school’s plan should incorporate these basic planning building blocks.  By doing so, consistency among all stakeholders is enhanced and a higher level of understanding is created.   

What are some of the characteristics of a weak school or district plan?

·        No standardized format

·        Lack of consistency between schools

·        Lack of consistency  and coordination between school plan and district plans

·        Lack of interaction among state, regional and local partners

·        Lack of training for school personnel

·        Plans are not critiqued and/or tested on a regular basis

·        Lack of after action reporting and documentation

 PARTNERS IN THE PLANNING PROCESS

School districts and individual schools should not attempt to create their plans in isolation.  This will only lead to misunderstanding, lack of trust and less than a desirable response should one be needed.  It is for this reason that at a minimum the following entities be involved in the preparation, planning and testing of the response plans:

·        Law enforcement (local, regional and/or state)

·        Public Health

·        Mental Health

·        Local government (representative from the Mayor’s office)

·        Fire Safety Officials

·        Emergency Medical Services

These partners will be able to provide excellent guidance, training and assistance in complying with federal mandates such as the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Schools and school districts are under extreme pressure to produce significant and sustained academic growth; we believe that this can best be accomplished in a safe and nurturing environment.  This environment not only has a viable emergency response protocol, but has encouraged and promoted caring relationships between students and adults.  It is through these types of relationships that a truly safe and healthy environment can exist.   

While schools remain the safest place for school-aged children, there are new issues that challenge our thinking, protocols, planning, response and recovery processes.  We now must think about and plan for the following: 

                                                         1.         Pandemic/Infectious Diseases

                                                         2.         Terrorist Attacks

                                                         3.         Chemical/Biological/Nuclear/ Explosive Venues

                                                         4.         Business Continuity Planning (how do we continue to meet our business demands – payroll, insurance, building maintenance, etc.)

                                                         5.         Continuity of Operations Planning (how do we continue to carry out our educational mission)

                                                         6.         Workplace Violence

                                                         7.         Parent Reunification Policies

                                                         8.         Media Relations (the role of the Public Information Officer)

                                                         9.         After Action Reporting

                                                       10.       Documentation of Efforts

                                                       11.       Bullying

                                                       12.       School Related Cyber Crimes (bullying, theft, etc.)

                                                       13.       Even Ordinary School Visitation

                                                       14.       Field-trip Safety and Child Protection

                                                       15.       Non-custodial Parent Procedures