That's the verdict of the 9/11 Commission's Report. So, tell us something we don't know. A few weeks back we were again told that "We are Not Safe" and a whole new round of terror warnings and alerts were issued. In the post-9/11 world, this has become a fact of life for us here in the United States, as it has been in various parts of the world for many years. We are coming a bit late to this table, and so it may take us a bit longer to actually be prepared for what everyone seems to feel is another inevitable attack.
So - what do we do to prepare ourselves? There have been countless articles and television spots on what to do to get ready for the worst. Many families have already done their basic preparation, but what about our schools?
The U.S. Department of Education offers many resources for schools and teachers to help prepare for the possibility of an attack. It is a great resource and should be looked at carefully. If your school doesn't have a plan yet, this would be a good place to start.
The Department of Homeland Security has given us guidelines for preparing an emergency supply kit for our homes. They suggest the following items:
- a gallon of water per person per day
- emergency supplies including a flashlight, a batter-powered radio, extra batteries, first aid kit
- filter masks, duct tape and heavy plastic sheeting
But what about an emergency kit for schools? The American Red Cross has an extensive list of recommended Emergency Supplies for Schools. Included on that list are those that each classroom should have. They include:
- Work gloves, leather
- Latex gloves, 6 pr.
- Safety goggles, 1 pr.
- Small first aid kit
- Pressure dressings, 3
- Crow bar
- Space blankets, 3
- Tarp or ground cover
- Student Accounting Forms, blank
- Student emergency cards
- Buddy classroom list
- Pens, paper
- Whistle
- Student activities
- Duct Tape, 2 rolls (for sealing doors & windows)
- Scissors
- Suitable container for supplies (5-gallon bucket or backpack)
- Drinking Water and cups - stored separately
- Toilet Supplies (large bucket, used as container for supplies and toilet when needed, with 100 plastic bags, toilet paper, and hand washing supplies)
- Portable Radio, batteries or other communication system
- Flashlight, batteries
- Push broom (if classroom includes wheel chairs)
