Norristown, PA

July is Bioterrorism and Disaster Education and Awareness Month

The Montgomery County Health Department in Norristown, PA has deemed July Bioterrorism and Disaster Education and Awareness Month. The health department states that Bioterrorism refers to "the deliberate or threatened use of bacteria, viruses or toxins to cause disease, death, disruption or fear," and states that preparing for such an incident is similar to preparing for a natural disaster. The department, along with the Department of Public Safety, urges residents to follow three steps in an effort to empower themselves – plan, prepare, and participate.

To read more about what you can do to be prepared for potential bioterrorism attacks or natural disasters, visit the website.

SPOTLIGHT

Joplin Schools Remember Tornados

More than a year ago, 10 schools in Joplin were either damaged or destroyed as a result of tornadoes that devastated the Missouri school district. As part of the city’s Walk for Unity held this past May 22, the district held groundbreakings for Joplin High School, Franklin Technology Center and two additional schools. According to a recent article on The Joplin Globe, as part of the Walk for Unity thousands traveled the reverse of the tornados’ path. Since the 2011 natural disaster, district officials state that the total cost for all of the district’s rebuilding projects is estimated at $185 million.

With PublicSchoolWORKS Tornado Safety course, staff will learn suggested actions to take before, during and after a tornado. This information, along with your school’s tornado safety plan, will help you effectively respond when threatening weather approaches. Does your school currently offer tornado training for staff? No? Share your comments with us on Twitter @PSWORKS.

SPOTLIGHT

Virginia Earthquake

In August 2011, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake originating in Virginia hit much of the east coast, including Baltimore County. While no significant damage was reported, the earthquake caused Baltimore County government buildings to be evacuated, and, according to a Baltimore news website, fire officials responded to several people stuck in elevators. In addition, Herndon school officials reportedly found cracks in the gymnasium of Kenwood High School in Essex and along the back wall of Pikesville High School. The cracks are thought to be a result of the earthquake.

When natural disasters occur in schools, it is important for all administrators to know the proper policies and procedures to ensure student and staff safety. With PublicSchoolWORKS Emergency Response course, staff will learn:

• What is required in a district’s emergency plan
• Employee responsibilities for activities in the plan
• The training requirements for emergency action plans
• The training requirements for emergency action plans
• The requirements for alarm systems
• The requirements for fire prevention plans and fire prevention measures
• The requirements for access to emergency exit routes

SPOTLIGHT

Schools to Rebuild Following Flood

The flooding of the Souris River last year in Minot, North Dakota destroyed both Lincoln Elementary School and Eric Ramstad Middle School. An article on the Huffington Post stated that both schools received funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the tune of $30 million last year. In addition, Longfellow Elementary received $2.9 million to help repair its building. The article also reported that FEMA has provided the school district with an additional $8.5 million for other flood-related measures.

Has your school experienced a disaster? How did your district react to the situation? Share your stories with us on Twitter @PSWORKS.