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STUDENTS PREPARE FOR DISASTER DURING AUGUST

Students in the Santa Clarita Valley are being encouraged to prepare for any potential disasters that might occur while at school, as part of the SCV’s "12 months of Personal Preparedness".

For every month of the year, KHTS and the City are promoting interviews and news stories encouraging disaster preparedness with the City Manager, Mayor, and City Councilmembers.

The month of August is dedicated to making sure that students are prepared for any eventuality by ensuring that all schools operate by an emergency response plan.

The emergency response plans should include identification of hazards and steps to reduce risk, evacuation plans and routes,the needs of students and staff with disabilities, onsite shelter plans, emergency supplies and equipment, plans for releasing students and school personnel and effective communication.

If an emergency response plan is put in place, the risk to the safety of both students and teachers will be limited.

Parents are advised to become involved in the Personal Preparedness program by making an effort to know the procedures their child’s school has in place to deal with a crisis. Parents should also take the time to discuss potential emergencies with their children.

Given the likelihood of earthquakes happening in Southern California, parents should talk to children about the correct earthquake procedure, and inform them of a disaster plan in the event of an earthquake - for example, practicing “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”

For parents and teachers who want to be fully prepared, the city has a 21-hour Community Emergency Response Training program that teaches individuals on emergency preparation.

Click here to read more about the 12 months of Personal Preparedness.