We hope you are all having a good September, and a good start to the new school year!
Did you know that September is National Preparedness Month?!
This campaign reminds us to always have a planned response, to prepare faculty and students for natural disasters and emergencies, no matter what the circumstances may be. You never know when a disaster may strike… but being prepared provides us with the best possible outcome!
Be sure to take the time to review your facility’s preparedness protocol, conduct safety audits when necessary, and help raise safety awareness in general regarding this matter.
Much of the time, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is overlooked and when an emergency arises, there’s a limited amount on hand and it’s too late to retrieve more! Make sure your school is well-equipped with the proper safety supplies that accompany your preparedness program.
Does your school need some guidance? Check out this page on OSHA's website (link below) or feel free to contact them to review your planned procedures & PPE needs.
American Federation of Teachers: https://www.osha.gov/harwoodgrants/grantmaterials/fy2008/sh-17035-08
General Tips:
1) Have Emergency Supply Kits On Hand! There are instances where it could be an extended amount of time before it's safe to evacuate the building.
At a Minimum, Kits should include:
- First Aid Kits
- Common medications
- Sanitation products
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Cell phone chargers
- Weather Radio
- Blankets
- Whistles
- Cash
- Extra clothing
- PLENTY of water & food
2) Your building should follow safety recommendations, such as having the recommended amount of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, fire alarm pulls, items to reinforce windows and doors etc. Consult with a safety expert if you're unsure of today's safety standards.
3) Ensure staff members and students are familiar with and understand the school's safety procedures for any situation. Conducting meetings on this and discussing it with your students is extremely important.
4) Hold the necessary drills for your area (fire, earthquake, tornado, hurricane, etc.) so everyone can practice and also see where the plan can be improved.
5) Have an evacuation plan communicated. Students and staff should be aware of all of the building's exits and know where they should meet outside. Teachers should also know the number of students they have in their classroom at all times!
We hope this helps you determine your school's safety plans! Let us know if you have any questions/concerns!
"Your Safety Is Our Business!"
800-343-6461 | info@techedsafety.com
