Educators are not preparing adequately for the possibility of a sudden catastrophe. Outlines a disaster recovery plan and the duties of a disaster recovery team. Lists 10 short-term disaster recovery procedures. (MLF)

The police-school liaison program at Rich East High School, Illinois, helps the school prevent crime and delinquency, educates students and staff members, and provides expert advice to the school. Offers eight tips to set up a police liaison program. (MLF)

Among the protective measures against computer viruses that universities should consider are the following: (1) establishment of policies regarding student and faculty conduct; (2) distribution of information; (3) limitations on access to college computers; (4) establishment of operational safeguards; and (5) creation of an emergency action plan.…

When Issaquah (Washington) superintendent, after battling a brain tumor, entered the hospital for the last time, school district had to develop a crisis plan to deal with the possible death of the superintendent. A contingency planning team developed a telephone tree for school officials to keep in close contact with teachers and administrators.…

Examines two studies on alternative certification programs and the findings from a survey of emergency-certified teachers that reveals vast differences in emergency teacher preparation. It shows that emergency certification programs provide substandard training and experience to teachers that can diminish student academic achievement. (GLR)

An investigation into guidance and support offered schools by 17 (British) local education authorities found considerable variations. Every school should have a senior management team member responsible for critical incident planning. Schools need guidance in preventing and handling floods, fires, structural damage, and violent incidents. (21…

The American Red Cross (ARC) Disaster Mental Health Services program uses a multidisciplinary approach to deliver crisis intervention to disaster workers and victims after hurricanes. Discusses the impetus for the ARC's development of the program, its early implementation, and ongoing challenges in the further development of this approach to…

Discusses the role of public libraries in helping their communities deal with crisis situations, especially after the September 11 terrorist attacks. Highlights include the need to be proactive and not wait to be asked to participate in planning; status of emergency planning; providing reliable information; and asking users about their information…

The Ottawa, Canada, Emergency Child Care Research Project examined the impact of emergency child-care service on individuals, families, and an Ottawa-based consortium; the effectiveness of emergency child-care service; and features and practices of consortium models in developing and providing human services. Findings indicated that emergency…

Recent accidents highlight that chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) agent exposure risk isn't just about terrorism. In this article, the author, a parent and public health physician, wrestles with the fact that total protection from CBRs is probably not feasible in her son's or in the majority of American schools. Capital investments, for…

Public health experts project a strong possibility that an avian flu pandemic will occur in the next 4 years, and the federal government has already warned that states and localities must make their own plans for this event since such a broad scale public health crises would far outstrip federal capacity to respond. Colleges and universities are…

No community is safe until every member takes responsibility for the community's collective safety. College communities are no different from families, towns and businesses in that respect. Getting everyone to accept responsibility is a challenge and skilled communication is an important component of the solution. As part of the front line,…

Most colleges and universities are poorly prepared to efficiently address and manage crises. That is the finding of a survey, the results of which were in the January/February issue of the publication, "Change." The authors point to Hurricane Katrina and the 9/11 terrorist attacks as wake-up calls to higher education and maintain both that campus…

In this article, the author relates the lessons she learned from Hurricane Katrina. During the first few days after the hurricane, it took 2,500 volunteers per hour around the clock to do what needed to be done. That included medical volunteers; crisis counselors and mental health professionals; and volunteers to distribute water and snacks, serve…

Despite all its efforts to crack down on the bomb scares that disrupted classes again and again in 2003, North Carolina's Orange County district fell victim to yet another false alarm this school year, 2004. For some schools, bomb threats have become more routine than fire drills, with each incident ringing up multi-thousand-dollar tabs for…