DISASTER
PREPAREDNESS

This kit is due September 24, 1999. The bags will be kept in the classrooms and returned to you at the end of the year.

Monte Vista, the PTA, and the Glendale Unified School District have worked hard to make sure that we are well-equipped in the case of an emergency. We have two 20-foot containers on the playground which are filled with emergency supplies that include first aide, water, and rescue equipment. Each classroom also has an emergency bucket with supplies and games to take care of students for a prolonged period of time.

The District has provided each Monte Vista family an Emergency Preparedness Kit that contains cards to keep in a wallet or purse, stickers for the telephone or nearby, and instructions. The stickers and cards have certain information already printed on them and a space for additional numbers to be filled in. Parents should look for this kit in their student's Thursday folder (one per family).

Let's hope we will never need to put these precautions into action, but if we do, Monte Vista is ready and able to respond.

EMERGENCY POLICY

(1996-97) - The best way to meet any unexpected emergency is to have a plan and be prepared. The Monte Vista staff has reviewed our school procedures for fire, severe storm, earthquake and other types of disaster. We conduct monthly fire and drop drills so that all youngsters will be familiar with our rules.

Our policy about sending children home following an earthquake or any other types of natural disasters is as follows:

• Children will remain with a classroom teacher until a parent or authorized adult comes to pick up the child.
• An authorized adult must have a note signed by the parent giving them permission to pick the child up, or have their name included on the list. As a child is released, the teacher will ask the adult to sign their name and destination.
• Authorized adults may go directly to the classroom for pickup rather than stopping in the office first. Each teacher will have a copy of the list. If evacuation has occurred, please proceed to the lower field.
• An older brother or sister (i.e., Junior or Senior High age) may pick up a student if they are listed.

Each year parents are asked to list any person or persons their child may ride home with in the event of an emergency, such as severe storm, earthquakes, etc., were the school unable to contact parents for instructions. This list should include friends, neighbors, car pool, and/or relatives. Remember, we may be without a telephone or power, so they shouldn't list anyone who does not live nearby.

If you have any questions about the above procedure, please do not hesitate to contact the school office. Please include special directions anywhere on the list.

Monte Vista Plan

(9/96) We have done much to prepare for a major earthquake/disaster, but there is still more to be done. We would like some temporary supplies from parents. Please have your child bring to school the following items in a gallon-size ziploc bag for their own "mini-survival kit":

MINI-SURVIVAL KIT
• 6 wash 'n dry towelettes
• space blanket (optional)
• out-of-state contact phone number (optional)
• a family photograph
• knit hat (optional)

The Monte Vista PTA is selling earthquake survival kits which meet our new guidelines. The shelf life of a kit is five years. Contact Cindy Claessens if you are interested in purchasing a kit.

Student Pick-up Procedures During a Disaster

(9/96) The school's Disaster Policy is on file in every classroom, the Main Office, and the Board of Education. As our preparations alter/increase, we will make changes to the written plan. The Earthquake/Disaster Committee continues to meet regularly to prepare us for any emergency.

Parents of students in the Glendale Unified School District are asked to follow these important procedures in the event of an earthquake or other disaster occurring when school is in session.

1. Radio stations KIEV, Glendale (AM 870), and KROQ, Burbank (FM 106.7), will be contacted first, if possible, by the school district with emergency information for parents regarding Glendale Schools. Please do not telephone the radio stations. Other news radio stations carrying emergency information will include KFWB (AM 980) and KNX (AM 1070). If possible, the district will contact Los Angeles area television stations with emergency data. Due to probable time constraints, contacting radio stations will be a priority.
2. Please do not telephone schools. Trying to contact a school by telephone following an earthquake or other major emergency may be difficult if not impossible. If school telephones are working, they may be needed for emergency communications.
3. After an emergency, students will be escorted to a safe assembly area on the school grounds, pending inspection of buildings for safety.
4. If students are to be picked up at school, a parent or other adult previously designated by a parent must follow site procedures. This will allow for an orderly reunion with students.
5. If a parent or person previously designated is unable to pick up children for an extended period of time after a disaster, students will remain at school or designated secondary school under the careful supervision of school staff until the arrival of a parent or designee.

Please try to remain calm and patient. Each school has an updated emergency plan for the safety and security of students and staff.

Very Important: Student emergency cards must be kept current. Please update the emergency cards as addresses, telephone numbers, and other information changes.

PRESCRIBED MEDICATION

As part of the District Disaster Preparedness Plan, a procedure has been established which will allow designated school personnel to assist the students in taking prescribed medication in the event of a disaster.

Students who will be extended this service are those with medical conditions such as:

• diabetes
• seizure disorders
• severe asthma
• severe bee sting allergy
• any other condition that require ongoing 24-hour medication regimen.

Parents who wish this service extended to their child in the event of a disaster, completes a form obtained in the Health office. They provide a three day supply of their child's medication in a pharmacy labeled container.

Regulations Regarding Pupil Medication - No pupil shall be given medication except upon the written request from the parent or guardian of the pupil and a licensed physician who has the responsibility for the medical management of the pupil (Education Code Section 49423).

School personnel, if authorized by the school administrator, may assist pupils who must take prescribed medication in the event of a disaster through use of the following procedures:

1. The form, "Request For Medication To be Taken In the Event of A Disaster Only," must be completed by the pupil's physician, signed by the parent or guardian, and filed with the school administrator. This request must be renewed each school year. If medication program is changed, a new request form must be submitted.
2. The container must be clearly labeled with the following information:
   1. Pupil's full name.
   2. Physician's name and telephone number.
   3. Name of medication, dosage, schedule, and dose form.
   4. Date of expiration of prescription.
   5. No more than a 3 day supply of any medication is to be kept at school.
3. The medication is not to be kept by the pupil. The school nurse, health clerk or secretary designated by the school administrator as the person to give the medication will keep it in a secure place and make it available according to the instructions.
4. The school administrator will consider each case individually and have the authority for determining whether medication can be administered safely at school.
5. Hypodermic injections will not be given by school personnel. Any exceptions must be specifically authorized by the Coordinator of Health Services.

Send your comments, questions, and suggestions to Monte Vista. (Please put MV on the subject line.)

Copyright © 1996, Monte Vista Elementary School, Last Updated - 9/19/96 12:19:18 PM (PST).
Web Page Author - Diane Barner