After a long summer with the kids, it’s time for our students to head back to school. Now is a great time to check backpacks, set routines, and update emergency plans! Emergencies in our community can include power outages, wildfire smoke, and ice storms, so knowing what to expect when your child is at school isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
Starting with the School:
The Tigard-Tualatin School District (TTSD) utilizes the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) for its emergency response procedures. This utilizes the following five actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, Shelter (www.ttsdschools.org/about-us/safety-and-security). In the event of an evacuation, parents will be notified of instructions for picking up their students via: Flash Alert (sign up at www.flashalert.net/IIN/login), the District email/call system, social media, and alerts through the district mobile App and website (ParentSquare).
Make sure your child knows who can pick them up if you cannot do so, and that those names are listed on their emergency contact forms. This leads us to the next recommendation.
Update Your Contact Information:
It may seem obvious, but schools can often struggle to reach families during emergencies because phone numbers or emails have changed. Please make sure you have updated information with the office and that you’ve signed up for alerts using a method that would best work to reach you in an emergency.
Emergency Cards:
In case of an emergency, it is a good idea to have an emergency card, both for yourself in case you need an updated picture and description of your child, and for those children who are unable to speak for themselves. The CDC has put together “Backpack Emergency Cards” that your child can keep in their backpack in case they are separated and someone needs to reach you (stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/34175).
Talk to Your Kids, Without Scaring Them:
It’s natural to feel anxious talking to your children about emergencies, but the goal is to empower them. Keep it simple and honest:
For younger children (K-5): you can use storybooks or simple explanations – “If there is an emergency, your teacher will keep you safe, and we have a plan to meet you”
Middle Schoolers: Encourage more of a conversation. Ask what they’ve learned during school drills and invite them to build the family emergency kit.
High Schoolers: Involve them in planning and even volunteering! Tigard CERT has had many outreach efforts to help engage preparedness, first aid, and opportunities in the community!
Preparedness starts with conversations at home and partnerships with schools. When we all work together, we make Tigard a safer and more resilient place for our kids to grow and thrive.
Tigard CERT Inc. is a local non-profit organization allied with the City of Tigard that trains volunteers in basic emergency response and organizational skills following the Federal Emergency Management Agency model and guidelines for local Community Emergency Response Teams. For more information about Tigard CERT, please visit www.tigard-or.gov/your-government/departments/public-works/emergency-management.
