School Preparedness

When it comes to school emergency preparedness, all aspects of planning, supplies, training, etc. is the school's responsibility. The PTA plays a supporting role. With the permission of the Principal, School Emergency Coordinator, and the Nurse, there are opportunities to get teachers, parents, and students involved in emergency preparedness fundraising, purchasing supplies, inventory audits, restocking and disposal of emergency supplies, and overall organizing. Your PTA may also find individual families in need of supplies and come up with creative ways to support them.​

Role of E-Prep Chair and School Preparedness

Actions to be taken every year to ensure your school is fully prepared for emergencies:
Action
Who
When
Connect with the previous Emergency Preparedness Chair and/or Council for help or guidance
PTA E-Prep Chair
ASAP
Connect with Principal and School Emergency Coordinator
PTA E-Prep Chair
ASAP
Storage container annual inventory
​Gap analysis and prioritization
School Emergency Coordinator (PTA E-Prep Chair can help)
March/April
PTA Budget for Emergency Preparedness
PTA E-Prep Chair
May/June (last General Meeting)
Donations and fundraising
PTA E-Prep Chair
September
Order supplies
School Emergency Coordinator (PTA E-Prep Chair can help)
September/October
Verify order, restock and disposal
School Emergency Coordinator (PTA E-Prep Chair can help)
October/November
Document successes, gaps and put a plan in place to apply learning for next year
School Emergency Coordinator (PTA E-Prep Chair can help)
January/February
Note: We recommend that you create a replenishment cycle of 20% per year to level out PTA costs and make budgeting consistent.  
  1. Include timelines in your emergency plans for when to replace perishable items (food and water) and first aid.
  2. Establish a complete inventory list with expiry dates and inspection dates. Put a copy in your storage container.
  3. E-Prep Chairs should do the following:
    1. ​Ensure a budget is established and approved for all E-Prep items purchased.
    2. Any E-Prep fund raising activity must be approved in advance by the PTA/PTSA board.
    3. Review with your School Emergency coordinator, PTA Board and Treasurer what you plan to purchase and what supplier you plan to use. Remember you can grant the school the funds and they can do the purchasing. Show price comparisons from supply sources.
    4. Ensure all original receipts are included with expense form submission to the PTA Treasurer. 
    5. Communicate to the School Emergency Coordinator, PTA/PTSA board and the Treasurer so there are no surprises. Do not spend beyond the budgeted amount. 
    6. Budget over runs must be approved before funds are spent and may require a voted by the Board and Members.

Planning Tips

Restricted diets need extra planning. Consider each student's medical and food allergy needs as well as the types of emergencies that are most likely to occur in your area. Parent' need to work with their school nurse, teacher, and School Emergency Coordinator to ensure a safe food plan is available.

Shipping Container Storage

  • Maintenance
  • Risks
  • Security
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The maintenance, repair, or replacement of storage containers lies with the school and Northshore School District. ​We recommend that you build a collaborative working relationship with the  Principal, Nurse and Emergency Coordinator to help them to prioritize issues and ensure that these needs are incorporated into the NSD’s proposed budget via the school administration.
Shipping containers can have issues over time. Please be mindful when entering one. No PTA member should risk their health due to rodents, mold, or moisture/ventilation issues:
We do not want mold to grow in your storage units. DampRid's crystals absorb excess moisture in the air to create and maintain the optimal humidity level in your storage areas. To reduce rodent issues, we recommend:
  • Emergency Kit zip-top bags are removed from their cardboard shipping box and put in sealed rugged containers. 
  • One possible method is to use 32/34 Gallon wheeled trash can with Hook & Lock Lid. 
  • Label each container with a visible expire date. 
Containers should have an NSD lock. Your team may wish to consider adding straps around shelves and big items to hold them in place during a large earthquake. Below are video tours of containers.

First Aid Supplies

First Aid Supplies should be the first items available to remove from your storage container. Large commercial first aid kits should be stored in cargo containers. Such kits are typically sufficient for up to 400 people, though this does not mean 400 injuries. The kits assume only a portion of the people will require first aid.
In addition to the standard first aid kit, you may want to supplement with additional supplies:
  • Bottled water to flush wounds
  • Mylar or regular blankets to keep people warm and dry
  • Box of non-latex exam gloves to protect against infections and disease
  • Fresh bleach (it has a limited life) can be mixed with water (10:1) and used as a universal disinfectant​
Make sure your first aid kits are maintained on a regular schedule:
  • Kits should be labeled
  • Stored in a clean, safe location - at the front of the emergency bin/shipping container
  • Replace expired items immediately; or preferably before they expire! Include timelines in your emergency plans for when to replace perishable items.

Best Practices

This section provides resources to assist parents, teachers, staff and administrators with creating a Comprehensive Emergency/Operations Plan or All Hazard Plan with supporting information. The Washington State and FEMA provide training to assist teachers, or administrators with creating Comprehensive Plans. Parents can contribute by reviewing the emergency plans and offering input to their child's school Principal and the Northshore School District Safety and Security team.
Northshore Council PTSA 6.10 
PO Box 1461
Bothell, WA 98041-1461
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Northshore Council PTSA is a welcoming organization that works to support our Local PTAs and serve the children and youth of our community through advocacy, collaboration, education, engagement, leadership, and mentorship.