Degree Name

Education Specialist (EdS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1982

Thesis Director

Gerhard C. Matzner

Abstract

Physical protection of the life and limb of every school pupil is a heavy responsibility that rests upon all officials involved in administering educational programs. Therefore, this study was done to prepare an emergency preparedness manual for Parkview Junior High School of Community Unit School District #20, in Lawrenceville, Illinois. The emergencies to be evaluated in the study include:

  1. Tornadoes and Storms
  2. Fire
  3. Nuclear and Conventional Bombing
  4. Explosion and Fire
  5. Earthquake
  6. Large Scale Air Pollutants
  7. Blizzards
  8. Bomb Threat

The study begins by describing each disaster, giving background information, destructive power, and possible dangers of which to be aware. This is followed by preventive measures which can be used to prepare for such an emergency.

The study then outlines the development of a complete school emergency preparedness program, which requires both physical and mental preparation. Such physical preparations discussed include shelter facilities, warning devices, lines of communication, fire extinguishers, first aid equipment, and survival supplies. Equally important are those mental preparations developed through in-service disaster education for all school personnel, careful planning to meet emergency situations, assignment of responsibilities, pupil instruction, organized teacher-pupil action for each type of disaster, and habits formed through appropriate drills.

The researcher recommends that an emergency preparedness manual should be a requirement for every school district. A manual would be an invaluable tool in preparing adminitrators, teachers, and other school officials for all emergencies. Complete knowledge of emergency situations should be mandatory for all school personnel.

It is further recommended that this manual be used along with in-service seminars to prepare school employees, both pysically and mentally, for potential school disasters. Preparation is essential when the safety of millions of school children lay in the hands of school personnel.

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