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Teacher Says: Preparedness in Schools
Hosted by Evelyn Vuko
Washington Post Education Columnist
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003; 2 p.m. ET
School administrators in the Washington area are preparing for possible terrorism. Many school districts are performing emergency drills and procedures in case of a school lock-down. The schools are also stockpiling bottled water and food and designating shelter areas for students.
Parents are discouraged or told that they would be prevented from picking up their children in the event of a biological or chemical attack. With the heightened warning, many schools have canceled domestic and international field trips.
This week, Post "Teacher Says" columnist Evelyn Vuko and her guest, Cindy Dickinson, crisis coordinator for Fairfax County Public Schools, discuss how terrorism alerts and disaster preparedness are affecting area schools.
Need help in guiding your kids through their school life, school work, or in becoming better students? Join Washington Post "Teacher Says" columnist Evelyn Vuko every other Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET to talk about education and child development issues.
The transcript follows below.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Evelyn Vuko:
Hello and welcome. "Being prepared" is on everyone's mind today--how to ready our homes, our schools, our thoughts and our actions should a crisis arise. Joining me today is school psychologist, Cindy Dickinson, Crisis Coordinator for the Fairfax County, Virginia, Public Schools. Let's make some good plans together.
washingtonpost.com:
In today's Washington Post article, Response Not Ready for Kids, many pediatricians are concerned that the terror alert system and hospitals are not prepared for child victims. In preparedness, antidotes are adult doses and emergency planning do not incorporate the needs of children.
Is this the same concern that rises in schools that in the threat of biological, chemical or radiological attacks, that procedures and needs of children are not met?
Cindy Dickinson: We in the schools always have the safety of students in mind. We are working on preparedness all the time. That is why we work with public safety, public health, and our own safety, psychological support and communications personnel to be ready to address needs.
Falls Church, Va.:
I am 14 years old and go to St. Stephens and St. Agnes School in Fairfax County. I have read my schools Crisis Management Policy and it says that it will follow whatever steps the local government suggests. In general, what sort of instruction would the local government give in the event of a biological or chemical attack in Washington D.C.? Is moving students from the schools campus something that would be considered?
Cindy Dickinson: Your school administrators are responsible for getting expert advice should students need to be moved. In some cases, it is safer to stay at school, where students can be protected. There are preparedness guides out for the general public, and your school administrators should consult them.
Alexandria, Va.:
My middle schooler is very anxious about what is going on in the world. What can I tell him? Can people at school do anything to help?
Cindy Dickinson: You can tell your child that you will do everything possible to listen to his or her concerns. Life, in itself, is not always predictable. But children are reassured when they have a sense of order and a regular routine. Keep those communication lines open. Helping professionals at school are capable listeners. So are classroom teachers.
Vienna, Va.:
Are school nurses prepared with the proper equipment or medicine to administer to students if a NBC attack occurs?
Cindy Dickinson: School nurses work for the health department in my area. This is a great question for the local health department.
Bethlehem, Pa.:
Is all we get from the Home Security people is to seal up a room with vinyl sheeting and duck tape? That is very little from people who are being paid big bucks to look out for us. Then there was as msg on ther TV saying there were an eroneous report that caused the higher alert! Give me a break! Evelyn Vuko:
Don't limit your resources. There are many knowledgeable agencies and organizations who have gone to great lengths to provide the public with information that will help them make the most effective plans possible should a crisis occur. Use the links posted on this chat site today, for example, to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, The Red Cross or the Army Deployment Handbook to formulate strategies that address the specific needs of your family.
Cindy Dickinson: I agree with Evelyn. There are multiple agencies working behind the scenes to insure public safety. There is no simple way to protect the public from any eventuality. The important thing is to know where to find resources, and to prepare oneself for the likelihood that circumstances might change. Identifying resources ahead of time allows us to tap into them when we need them.
Olney, Md.:
I heard recently that schools are considering taking part in a program to vaccinate children against smallpox. My son has eczema, and cannot be vaccinated--nor should he be exposed to children who have been.
What will schools do to protect my child and others like him? Should I be prepared to homeschool him? Evelyn Vuko:
Your first resource should be your health care provider. Find out what types of protection you should provide for your child. Then inform his school and his teachers. The more data you can provide, the more effective the school can be in helping your son. Don't let homeschooling be a knee-jerk reaction. It is a process that demands extensive preparation and dedication and needs clear, calm consideration before you embark upon it.
Cindy Dickinson: I agree with Evelyn that we should not overreact. I am learning more about smallpox initiatives, and do not believe that inoculations will be available to the general public until 2004. But I am not a health department official, and it is best to check with your local organization. The Centers for Disease Control have information about smallpox and the steps they are taking to immunize healthcare professionals. Check their website for more information.
Arlington, Va.:
Will schools be open tomorrow, do you think, Evelyn? Evelyn Vuko:
If the sun keeps shining, yes, indeed.
Cindy Dickinson: Regarding whether schools are open, check with your local school division, or check the news.
Los Angeles, Calif.:
Is it fairly common for children to report having nightmares about 9/11 and terrorism? Thanks
Cindy Dickinson: It is common for children to experience temporary sleep problems after something difficult or emotional has occurred. At this point, if a child was experiencing nightmares related to the 9/11 aftermath, that would be a longer term reaction than normally predicted. Please see the NASP links attached to this site for common reactions to trying times. General anxiety about current events might cause sleeplessness. We need to reassure our children that they really are okay.
Silver Spring, Md.:
What is the rationale behind telling us that we cannot pick up our children in the event of a terror attack? I cannot imagine anything more frightening than not being able to get to my child in an emergency of that nature.
What if we are told to evacuate the neighborhood? I'll tear down the school with my bare hands before I leave without my kid!
Cindy Dickinson: Here is a rationale. If there is a trying event, and children are in school, we will safeguard them. Imagine the traffic gridlock and commotion we would experience if many people descended upon a school. We would want to have student dismissal in an orderly fashion.
If there is an evacuation, we will have to follow the lead of our public safety officials, who may be in charge of the movement of children, teachers, and others in the general public. And we (the schools) will communicate with parents about their children's whereabouts and safety, methods of reaching them, etc.through any available means-radio, TV, e-mail,etc. as soon as possible.
Alexandria, Va.:
During 9/11 my child's counselor (elementary school) and the school's psychologist worked with the teachers and the kids helping them talk through their nightmares. Have we learned from that experience?
Cindy Dickinson: We have learned that children need to identify resources within their schools, and who some of the likely resources might be. Many teachers, counselors, psychologists, and other helpers enabled our children to normalize their reactions and get back to the business of learning. We learned how valuable our community of support was as well. We are currently expanding training for people to enable them to have even more strategies to help children.
Arlington, Va.:
I don't have kids, but I'd be worried that the homeland security dictums re: duct tape and plastic sheeting would be a bit scary for kids -- especially elementary age. Your thoughts? Evelyn Vuko:
I think elementary school kids are hardier than you think. Kids are motivated by plans; calm, clear efficient plans. And they love to be given responsible jobs. Honestly discussing how to prepare for a possible crisis is the wisest thing parents and teachers can do for kids, and that includes talking about how duct tape and plastic sheeting might be helpful items to have on hand.
Cindy Dickinson: I agree with Evelyn that it is important to have tasks to do in order to be prepared. Better to be prepared to do something, if instructed, than to have no idea what to do.
washingtonpost.com:
Information on Fairfax County Public Schools Emergency Preparedness web site.
Cindy Dickinson: Parents and the general public might be interested to read the web pages, which outline safety and security procedures, communications and psychological support available to help the school community if a critical event occurs. There are links with additional information from experts on preparedness, mental health, etc.
Kensington, Md.:
I am extremely frustrated by the response
from Montgomery County Public Schools about
what their plans are in case of attack. When
I called twice to talk with a principal or
assistant principal about preparations, I was
told tersely by the secreary that a letter
from the superintendant would be going home
with the kids and I could not talk with
anyone. Well, indeed there was a letter. But
it was extremely vague, without any
information about if we can pick up the kids,
if there would be any food or water stored
for them, if plastic sheeting would be put
up, etc. It basically said they would have to
formulate a response for what type of attack
occurred, without giving parents any details.
What can parents do to get schools to better
prepare and communicate? Evelyn Vuko:
Emergency preparedness makes everyone edgy, especially school personnel who must await instructions that first must be approved up through the chain of command. Why don't you volunteer to help your school gather information that could be of use to all its families? Perhaps you and your PTA could prepare a package based on some of the excellent advice to be found in the links on this site.
Cindy Dickinson: I agree with Evelyn that this topic can produce anxiety. The best method for any school system is to get the general priciples and practices out to the public. REgarding dismissal of kids: This depends on the circumstances. For example, if a building had a fire, students would be evacuated. Parents would be notified where to pick up there students.
Clifton, Va.:
In the event of a terrorist attack, should schools be prepared to keep students in the building for up to three days? Are they stocking up appropriately to feed them?
Cindy Dickinson: This question is certainly one for the safety and security staff, of which I am not a part. The schools here in Fairfax County are taking measures to be ready to respond to a myriad of circumstances. The fcps.edu emergency preparedness links have plenty of information for your review.
Long Beach, Calif.:
As a baby boomer, I felt completely naked when we'd do the drill of hiding under our flimsy desks in order to survive a nuclear blast. I hope the
kids of today are not subjected to such foolish behavior. Thanks Evelyn Vuko:
If we don't remember anything else about elementary school, we remember hiding under our desks. Though it might have been a fearful thing, at least there was an agreed upon plan of action--which is always more effective than running around screaming and pushing. Would that the people in that Chicago nightclub incident in today's Post had had a plan for evacuating.
Cindy Dickinson: The kids of today are not being taught to hide under their desks. Hopefully, they are being taught simple measures that will, if needed, help them stay safe and secure.
California:
As paranoia is a form of mental illness, does the school district deal with
overly terrified youngsters? And if so,
how? Thanks
Cindy Dickinson: Overly terrified youngsters need to feel comfortable in school. If they are not functioning as they normally do, it is important to let the classroom teacher or principal know. Schools have helping professionals, including counselors, psychologists, and social workers who will talk to children who are fearful. They are able to assess the child's current situation, the child's resources (internal and external), and get the help needed. We want children to be able to function and participate in the tasks of daily life, including learning.
LA:
If vigilance is strength, and paranoia
a weakness, has the D.C. school district studied the difference between the manifestions of those two different approaches to prospective terrorism? thanks
Cindy Dickinson: Maintaining a high level of vigilance is a real strain. We really need to be aware of our surroundings, and to exercise care and caution as we normally do to protect ourselves. For example, we look at the traffic in the street before crossing it. There is no need to "throw caution to the wind" because we feel stressed. When we are not aware of what is happening, we are more prone to accidents and injuries. At the same time, we don't want to create more difficulty for ourselves than is normal. We want to use normal coping mechanisms for our daily life. Usually, those strategies serve us very well.
Orlean, Va.:
My school sent home a letter stating that, in the event of an emergency, parents should not come to the school until contacted. Let's be real. In the event of an emergency, that's the first place I'm going. Does the (private) school have any legal basis to prevent me from withdrawing my child immediately?
Evelyn Vuko:
I understand your desire to protect your child, but your school is just trying to protect its students from the chaos and confusion that would arise if suddenly the entire parent population showed up at its doors demanding their kids. It is your school's way of showing that they care about your child.
Cindy Dickinson: In the public schools, parents will be notified when they can come to the school and get their children. If the building is secured for "shelter in place", it is in everyone's best interest to wait until the building is reopened in order for children to be released to parents. Public safety personnel may, in that circumstance, be in charge of building safety and security. Please review the emeergency preparedness information on the fcps website, as information from VA state links is included.
Hyattsville, Md.:
On a practical level, I agree with the policy to not allow the doors to open during an event involving airborne agents. On an emotional level, many parents will be unable to control their reaction. Do you predict physical confrontations at the school doors in the event of a real attack? What can be done?
Cindy Dickinson: Not only is this policy, this is a safety measure to keep students and adults from being exposed to harmful airborne materials. Basic safety methods, will reduce injury and risk to the student population. In that circumstance, others in the neighborhoods may have to stay in a confined area. We have to think "safety first". Kids are safe in schools. We have to insure that it is safe to release children. If parents are concerned about reuniting with their children, they should wait for information about such a release. Check with your school to find out how children can be released in an emergency. We have considered this in our emergency planning here. The information is on the emergency preparedness website.
Washington, D.C.:
In the 1950s, children were taught to get under their desks in the event of a nuclear strike. Are our schools doing any more realistic and actually helpful planning some 50 years later?
Cindy Dickinson: We are teaching children simple measures in order that we can safely move them if an emergency occurs. We have also worked with teachers, administrators, and school support staff in order to help them prepare for any number of circumstances. They need an action plan, just as any of us do.
Long Beach, Calif.:
I've read that this newest terrorism alert was prompted by an Al Queda
person in hidden detention, and that he failed a polygraph, and they are still using the alert anyway. Assuming that to be true,
and if so, is this a form of terrorism? thanks Evelyn Vuko:
In later news reports, it was clarified that there were many other sources of information that fueled the recent Code Orange alert, not just the words of one person. Webster defines terrorism as the use force or threats to intimidate. By that definition, his was a terrorist act.
Cindy Dickinson: Clearly, this is not within my purview.
Fairfax, Va.:
Many teens have cell phones in order to call their parents in case of an emergency. How do elementary and middle school school administers plan to get students in contact with their parents?
Also are schools working with their local law enforcement centers as well in case of such emergencies?
Cindy Dickinson: I don't know specifics, but each school keeps emergency contact information for each child ready to go. Further, e-mail alerts will be used for those who subscribe. We used this notification extensively on 9/11/01. Phones in the office can only be used to a limited extent.
Vienna, Va.:
Are local school officials holding PTA meetings that would cover what evacuations or lock downs would entail?
Cindy Dickinson: Our safety and security staff have met with PTAs and community members to discuss emergency measures. If you are interested in hearing about the process, contact the Safety and Security Office, available through the FCPS links for emergency preparedness.
Evelyn Vuko:
If hiding under our desks at school did nothing else, it produced a shared memory that unites a generation. And there's a lesson in that. As Cindy says, "if we all work together we will be more resilient, no matter what comes." We wish you all safe and peaceful days.
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