Preparing an Emergency Communication Plan now will keep you connected to those who matter the most when disaster strikes.

A fundamental part of any emergency preparedness plan must include a clear, fast and accurate way to communicate with family, friends, employers and employees.  In the chaos and confusion present in an emergency this isn't very easy! 

Sadly, we see it every day - Floods, Fires, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Terrorism, Earthquakes, Tsunami.  They sweep away homes, separate families, create mass chaos and destroy lives.  Although we have no control over these events when they happen, we can learn from the ones that have already taken place around us.  Being prepared can mean the difference between security and isolation, hope and despair, even life and death.

Staying connected to those you love is critical. Everyone should have a disaster communication plan that is simple and easy to understand.

You need more than an emergency preparedness pack - you need a PLAN. 

School Emergency Preparations

Should an emergency situation arise while school is in session, it is important that you be familiar with your district and childs' individual campus emergency preparations.

In the event of a 'Lockdown' or 'Shelter in Place' emergency at your childs campus, only authorized emergency personnel are permitted to exit or enter the school. Additionally, if your childs' campus has been ordered to 'Evacuate', your child may have been relocated to an undisclosed alternate safe location.

Students will ONLY be released to parents and persons identified on the School District Emergency Card.  It is vital that this information be accurate and kept updated and it is very important to discuss these details clearly with your child.

At a minimum school and district emergency management plans should outline procedures for faculty, staff, students and families for the following 3 primary emergency responses. If you have school aged children it is imperative that you be familiar with school procedures.

EVACUATION:  When it is safer outside the school than it is inside the school.

LOCKDOWN:  When there is an immediate threat of violence in or on school grounds.

SHELTER - IN - PLACE:  When students and staff must remain in a school building for extended periods of time during an event such as a chemical spill, terrorist threat or other emergencies.

It is your personal responsibility to be familiar with emergency procedures regarding communication and reunification with your children in the event of any of the above situations or other emergencies. A KAREpac or KARE compac can offer the necessary items for your child should an emergency occur until you are able to be reunited.

Family Communication Plan

Plan as a family how you will communicate with eachother in different emergency situations.

Each member of the family should have an Emergency Contact Card. These should be completed and kept with you~ in a purse, wallet, backpack, emergency pac or kit. Your childs' school should have a copy of this up-to-date Emergency Contact Card as well.

Choose an out-of-state friend or relative as your central out of area contact person for members of your home and family to call and notify that you are safe in the event you become seperated in an emergency.