One of the most commonly neglected programs in Christian schools is the implementation of an emergency preparedness plan. This is not to say that the plans do not exist. In fact, most insurance companies require written policies. Unfortunately, in many cases, these plans have been relegated to mere formality rather than serious preparation for what could become reality.

Schools existing in hurricane zones are undoubtedly experts in emergency planning, and they should be, since there is a degree of predictability involved. However, unless a school serves in such a region, it is likely their plan is very seldom given serious consideration.

This neglect of preparation appears to fall in line with the general public, where the majority of people seem to be too wrapped up in the normal affairs of life to be concerned about such matters. In her USA Today article titled "Most People Unprepared for Disaster," Mimi Hall said, "Most Americans haven't taken steps to prepare for a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or other emergency."

Planning for an emergency can run the gamut from the mundane, such as a mere short-term power outage, to the horrific, as in the case of the October 2, 2006, shooting rampage at West Nickel Mines School in Pennsylvania. The list could go on and on, which is probably another reason why it is so challenging to keep these plans in the forefront.

In the words of Douglas K. Batchelder, principal of Phillipsburg (NJ) Christian Academy, every school should "embrace safety as a school priority. If you don't, who will?" In his "Emergency Preparedness and Student Safety" document, he further said, "Most schools have no formal plan."

Mr. Batchelder recommends six general steps in his document. Steps one through three involve developing the plan, while steps four through six cover implementation. Step five is simple, yet probably the most overlooked step: "Review, reevaluate, and revise." Involving students and staff in regularly scheduled informational meetings and drills is not an indication of a lack of faith; instead, it is a sign of prudence.

As you begin the new school year, if you have not already done so, we strongly encourage you to take a look at your emergency plan and update it accordingly. Because of its flexibility, we would be honored for you to include the Switched-On Online™ curriculum from Alpha Omega Publications® in your plan.

For further information, please reference the archived webcasts provided by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools (OSDFS). In 2007, OSDFS filmed one of their "Emergency Management for Schools" training meetings, which we encourage you to view at the link provided.

While we pray your school will never experience a major emergency, we trust you will be prepared in advance should the unexpected come your way. May God's blessings, protection, and provision be with you in this coming school year.

Roy Faletti
Vice President of Educational Services