Safer, Stronger, Smarter: A Guide to Improving School Natural Hazard Safety

amani osman

July 17, 2017

This guide provides up-to-date, authoritative information that schools can use to develop a comprehensive strategy for addressing natural hazards. It presents information and guidance on:

• Identifying natural hazards that could potentially impact a school;
• Making new and existing school buildings safer for children and staff, and more resistant to damage during natural disasters;
• Planning and preparing for effective and successful response during a natural disaster;
• Recovering after a natural disaster as quickly and robustly as possible, and being better prepared for future events; and
• Engaging the whole community in the entire process in order to improve school and community disaster resilience. ‘

This guide is intended to be used by administrators, facilities managers, emergency managers, emergency planning committees, and teachers and staff at K through 12 schools. It can also be valuable for state officials, district administrators, school boards, teacher union leaders, and others that play a role in providing safe and disaster-resistant schools for all.