Sharing Information with Parents

In the event of an emergency, parents have very specific information needs.  First, parents want to know their children are safe; then, parents want to know the details of the emergency situation, to know how it is being handled, and to know that the children will be safe in the future.  The first reactions are likely to involve fear.  Upon learning of an incident at the school, parents are likely to descend upon the school in search of their child or to telephone, frantically seeking information.  Establishing a system for responding quickly to parent needs for information is an important part of pre-planning.  Anger is another common reaction of parents, particularly in the case of senseless acts of violence.  In the event of an emergency or disaster:

·    Tell parents exactly what is known to have happened.  Do not embellish or speculate.
 

·     Implement the plan to manage phone calls, traffic control and meet with parents who arrive at school.

·        If deemed necessary, schedule and attend an open question-and-answer meeting for parents as soon after the incident as possible.  The meeting will provide an opportunity for school officials to listen and respond to parent concerns (which are helpful in combating rumors and other misinformation) and to work on restoring parental trust in the school.

·        In the event of an incident which involved damage or destruction, an open house for parents and other members of the community to see the school restored to its “normal” state helps everyone get beyond the emergency.
 

·        During a school-level emergency event the school may utilize (if available) an automated telecommunication device that can be programmed to deliver critical messages in a short period of time.  Such messages can be directed to the residences of the students and their parents or guardians attending this particular school.
 

·        During a school-level emergency, it may be necessary to move students to an alternative site.  Parents will need to be notified as to where they need to meet their children. (reunification plan)  This area should be designated as part of the overall plan.