Section 8 – Management of Emergencies/Disaster Preparedness

General Information

Washington State Department of Health

• Emergency Preparedness (DOH) (multiple languages) General information, links to local public health officials and translated emergency-preparedness materials.
• How to Respond: Injury and Illness at School (DOH and OSPI, 2016)

National and Washington Resources

• Disaster Preparedness National Association of School Nurses (NASN) Includes NASN position statements, Disaster Preparedness Guidelines for School Nurses and other relevant links.
• Disclosures for Emergency Preparedness – A Decision Tool (HHS, 2013)
• The Great Washington Shake Out Resources for earthquake preparedness and statewide drill.
• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) An evidence-based program administered by National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Participants learn to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance-use challenges.
• School Crisis Guide (The National Education Association (NEA), 2018) Easy-to-use crisis guide with essential, to-the-point advice for schools and districts.
• School Emergency Triage Training (SETT) (NASN) Prepares school nurses to lead school-based Disaster Response Teams and to perform triage in response to mass-casualty incident events.
• School Safety Center (OSPI) Emergency Planning Tools
• Stop the Bleed

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

• Before, During and After School Emergencies (CDC)
• Caring for Children in a Disaster (CDC)
• Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event Several webpages relating to various aspects of emergencies and disasters.

FEMA

• Preparing for Mass Casualty Incidents: A Guide for Schools, Higher Education, and Houses of Worship

Washington Military Department – Emergency Management Division:

• Individuals, Families and Pets Personal Emergency Planning. Resources in 7 languages.

U.S. Department of Education

• Guides for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plan (2013)
• Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance Center

American Heart Association (AHA)

• AHA First Aid Guidelines
• CPR & Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) CPR & Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) guidelines, resources and a class locator.
• Medical Emergency Response Plan for Schools Public health initiative developed by multiple organizations to help schools prepare to manage life-threatening emergencies. Jump to the section on School Medical Emergency Response Plan by selecting it in the ‘Jump to’ box.

American Red Cross

• Health and Safety Training & Education (American Red Cross) Courses and Certifications

OSPI Health and Safety

• Requirements for CPR/AED Instruction in High Schools and Guidelines for Medical Emergency Response and AED Program Implementation

General Information

Helping Students and Families Cope with Disasters and Trauma

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA) The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is a national toll-free, multilingual, crisis support hotline available 24/7 to all US residents experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
• Disasters and Scary Events: Helping Children Cope (Seattle Children’s, 2021)
• Helping Children Cope and Adjust After a Disaster (AAP, Updated 2023)
• Natural Disaster Resources (National Association of School Psychologists)
• Traumatic Experiences (Sesame Street in Communities)
• When Something Scary Happens (PBS Kids) Resources to help families cope in emergencies and other challenging times.