Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses of life and property that may accompany incidents. Preparedness needs to happen at all levels, not just the school.

• Community preparedness: The school plan must be integrated with the community plan through planning and exercising in collaboration with local emergency management representatives and first responders. This coordination will enable the school to know when and how they will receive assistance from first responders and the school’s role in the event of an incident (e.g., a shelter facility for affected residents, a staging area, a point of distribution for emergency supplies and food, etc.).
• Personal and family preparedness: School staff members must take steps in advance to ensure the safety of their families, so they can focus on the needs of the school population when an incident occurs. In fact, some States have laws or mandates requiring personnel to remain at their school assignments during an emergency.

Click on this link for more information on personal and family preparedness.