allegany county (md) emergency response and crisis management grant evaluation, 2005-2007

8/14/2019 Allegany County (MD) Emergency Response and Crisis Management Grant Evaluation, 2005-2007

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Emergency Response and

Crisis Management Grant Evaluation2005-07

Emergency Response and

Crisis Management Grant Evaluation2005-07

eQuotient, Inc.

803 Trost Avenue

Cumberland, MD 21502

http://www.equotient.net

e-mail: [email protected]

May 31, 2007


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Emergency Response and Crisis Management Grant Evaluation, 2005-07

Emergency Response andCrisis Management Grant Evaluation, 2005-07

eQuotient, Inc.803 Trost AvenueCumberland, MD 21502http://www.equotient.net

e-mail: [email protected]

May 31, 2007


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Table o ContentsList o tables, gures, and appendices ................................... ii-iii

1.0 Introduction..................................................................................................................1

2.0 Evaluation.....................................................................................................................3

3.0 ProjectManagement......................................................................................................7

4.0 ProessionalDevelopment.............................................................................................9

5.0 EmergencyPlans.........................................................................................................12

6.0 EmergencyDrills.........................................................................................................16

7.0 Communication,Collaboration,andCommunityOutreach.......................................20

8.0 PerceptionoSchoolsEmergencyResponseandCrisisManagementPlans..................26

9.0 SummaryandConclusions..........................................................................................29

Reerences....................................................................................................................31

Appendices..................................................................................................................32

List o Tables

able2.1 EvaluationFramework..................................................................................... 4-6

able4.1 GrantrainingCharacteristics...........................................................................10

able4.2 eacher/StarainingSurveyResults................................................................11

able4.3 SecretariesrainingSurveyResults....................................................................11

able5.1 EmergencyPlanCompleteness..........................................................................13

able5.2 SchoolVulnerabilityAssessments.......................................................................14

able6.1 PublicSchoolEmergencyDrillLockdownData(N=19),percentageototalandmean.................18

able7.1 ActivityLevelsoPartners..................................................................................21

able7.2 IndicatorsoCollaborationSuccess...................................................................22

able7.3 SchoolSaetyCouncilAssessment.....................................................................22

able7.4 CrisisPlanningPerormanceAreasAssessment............................................ 23-24

able7.5 OverallSatisactionwithGrant,percentageototal...........................................24

able8.1 EectiveSchoolsClimateSurveyorParents....................................................27

able8.2 EectiveSchoolClimateSurveyoreachers.....................................................28

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1.0 Introduction

TeAlleganyCountypublicschoolsystemsEmergencyResponseandCrisisManagement(ERCM)projectwasdesignedtoimprovesaety,security,anddisasterplanning,recovery,andresponseor31publicandprivateschoolsinAlleganyCounty.ProvidingSaeandDrugFreeschoolsisanimportantcomponentotheNoChildLetBehindActo2001andeachschoolreceivingundingunderitleIV is required to have a crisis management plan. Although the Allegany County Public Schoolsystemhadsuchplans,assessmentsconductedin2004revealedthatimprovementswereneededtothemanagement,stang,planning,inrastructure,anddocumentationotheschoolcrisisresponse(AlleganyCountyBoardoEducation2004). Furthermore,vulnerabilityassessmentsconductedinaJune2004Allegany County Schools Vulnerability Surveyoreachschoollocationrevealedaneedto

mitigate various vulnerabilities including such things as unsecured doors, proximity to hazardousmaterials,proximitytooodplains,andlackomultipleevacuationroutes.

InFall2004,theAlleganyCountyBoardoEducation(BOE)wasawardedaEmergencyResponseandCrisisManagementgrantromtheU.S.DepartmentoEducationOceoSaeandDrug-FreeSchoolsortheamounto$247,414.Matchingundsandin-kindcontributionso$66,754wereprovidedbytheBOE.Teproposedprojectinvolvedamultiacetedstrategytoaddressgapsincrisispreparednessandemergencyresponsewiththeollowingelements:

Hiringaull-timeprojectcoordinatortomanagetheproject;

Improvingcoordinationbetweenschoolsandlocalemergency(police,fre,HomelandSecurityservices)throughtheSchoolSaetyCounciltoimproveemergencyresponse;

Developingandpublishingwrittenschool-basedandCountywideemergencyplanstoguidevariousaspectsocrisisresponse;

rainingSchoolSaetyCouncil,administrators,teachersandstainhazardidentifcationandcrisisresponse;

rainingstudentsonaspectsothenewplan;

SupplyinghazardkitssuchasraumaBagsandGoKitstoindividualschoolsandclassrooms;

Conductingtwolarge-scaleemergencydrills(oneatapublicschoolandanotherataprivateschool)andnumeroustable-topdrillstoevaluateemergencypreparedness;

UpgradingthetelephoneemergencycommunicationsthroughtheALLCONEIIwirelesssysteminordertoimprovetheabilitytocommunicatebetweenrespondersandschools;

Broadcastingschoolinormationthroughanewcountywidetelevisionchannel;

Conductingcommunityoutreachtoincreasecrisisplanningawarenessandtoadvertisethesuccessesothegrantthroughappropriatemediaoutlets.

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Tisreportincludesareviewothevariouscomponentsothemanagementplanandanevaluationoexpectedandactualoutcomesotheproject.Italsoaddressesbeneftsotheprojectthatexceedthescopeotheprojectandevaluatesthelikelihoodthattheprojectcanbesustainedatcurrentlevelsintheuture.

Tereportisdividedintotheollowingsections.Tenextsectiondiscussestheevaluationrameworkproposedinthegrantapplicationortheprojectandprovidesasummaryoresearchfndings.TethirdsectionreviewssuccessinrealizingvariousmilestonesandschedulesorservicedeliverydescribedintheManagementPlan.Teseincludethecomponentsostang,trainingconsultantsandmaterials,

andequipmentpurchases.Teourthsectiondescribesproessionaldevelopmentactivitiesthatweresponsoredbythegrantandparticipantsatisactionwiththistraining.TeseactivitiesincludetraininginvolvingSchool Saety Councilmembers, Board o Educationadministrators,teachers, sta,andstudents. Tefth section reviews the System and School EmergencyPlans or completeness andconormitywiththegoalsotheERCMgrantandintegrationintotheAlleganyCountyEmergencyPlan. Te sixth section addresses the various types odrills that were incorporated into the newemergencyplansandprovidessummaryevaluationsotwomajorschooldrills:onebasedatBraddockMiddleSchoolandanotherdrillatSt.MichaelsSchool.Teseventhsectionevaluatesthequalityocommunicationandcollaborationduringthegrantperiod.Componentsothisinclude:communicationsystems interoperability, School Saety Council collaboration, and community outreach/publicityeorts.TeeighthsectiondiscusseschangesinSchoolSaetyCouncil,parent,andteacherawarenessandconfdenceinschoolsaetymeasuresthatresultedromgrantactivities.Tefnalsectionincludes

asummaryothereportanddescribeshowtheimprovementswillbesustainedintheuture.


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2.0 Evaluation

TisreportexaminesthedegreetowhichgoalsoutlinedintheAlleganyCountyEmergencyResponseandCrisisManagementgrantproposalweremet.Teareasoparticularconcernarestatedonpage19otheproposalanddescribedintable2.1below.Inbrie,theproposalindicatesthegrantwouldprovideproessionaldevelopmentcenteredaroundnewEmergencyResponseandCrisisManagementplans,osternewcollaborativepartnershipswithcounty/state/ederalagencies,increasethenumbero

hazardsaddressedanimproveemergencyresponse,anddevelopcapacitiestohelpsustaintheprogramintotheuture.Teprojectwouldalsoadheretoamanagementplaninwhichcertainmilestonesorserviceprovision,purchasing,staandstudentdevelopment,communityawareness,internalreview,andexternalreportingweremet.

Avarietyoquantitativeandqualitativemeasuresareusedtoassessprojecteectiveness.Mostothesemeasuresareobtainedromrecordskeptbyprogramstaandormalsurveys.Copiesothelatterareprovidedinthereportappendicesandwillbereerencedelsewhereinthereport.

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Table 2.1 Evaluation Framework

Objectives Data Sources Intended Outcomes Actual Outcomes

DeliverqualityproessionaldevelopmentbasedonthenewAllegany

CountyEmergencyResponseandCrisisManagementplan.

Pre-andpost-testsoteacherandguidancecounselorknowledge/needor

andunderstandingonewemergencyplans.

Implementationonewplan.

Participationratesinon-linetraining.

Reviewsonewschoolplans.

Awarenessocommunitytelevision

channelandwirelesstelephonesystem.

eacher,guidancecounselor,studentandparentperceptions.

eachersapplynewknowledgeasdemonstratedinlessonplans,teaching

strategies.eachersexpresschangedattitudesandincreasedcomortwithusingnewemergencyplans.

eachersdemonstrateprofciencywithawareness.

eachersintegrate

newprocessesintotheirplansandmethodology.

rainingparticipationbyteachers,sta,andstudentsexceededgrantmilestones.

eachersandstatrainingsatisactionsurveysindicatesatisactionwithtraining.

Expandedandmorecomprehensiveschool-baseddrillsprovideevidenceoimprovedcoordinationandresponse.

eacherpre-andpostsurveysindicatesaetyenvironment,emergencyplans,andcrisispreparationimproved.

Parentpre-andpostsurveysindicatesaetyenvironment,emergencyplans,

andcrisispreparationimproved.

continued on next page


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Developandmaintainstrongcollaborativepartnershipswithcounty/state/ederalagencies.

InteractionsandrelationshipsthroughobservationsPartnerInterviewsCollaborationSel-Evaluationool.

Commitmenttocommongoals.

Makingandcarryingoutdecisions.

Sustainingrelationships.

Sharingownership

andaccountabilityorresults.

School,schoolsystemandpartnersupportortheprogram.

Partnersagreedthattheyunderstoodtheirroles,havegoodrelationships,andhaveclearandeectivedecisionmakingprocedures.

Partnersagreethatstrategiesograntwereimplementedanddemonstratedpositiveoutcomes.

Increasenumberohazardsaddressedandimproveresponsetimeandqualityoresponse.

NewschoolEmergencyResponseandCrisisManagementplans.

Evaluationsopracticedrills/exercises.

Evaluationsopartners.

Evaluationotabletopdrills.

Increasedparticipantknowledgeopotentialcrisissituationsasdemonstratedinsimulatedcrisisdrills.

Increasedparticipantperormanceasmeasuredby2003baselineschoolemergencyplans.

Increasedparticipantattitudesandappreciationorimprovedcrisismanagement.

NewschoolPlansaddressapproximately50dierenthazardscomparedtoonly10inoldschoolplans.

Emergencydrillsprovideevidenceoimprovedresponseandcoordination.

eacherpre-andpostsurveysindicatesaetyenvironment,emergencyplans,andcrisispreparationimproved.

Parentpre-andpostsurveysindicatesaetyenvironment,emergencyplans,andcrisispreparationimproved.

Table 2.1 Evaluation Framework continued rom previous page


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Developresourcesusedtoreplicateandsustaintheprogram.

raumabags.

On-lineFEMAcourses.

Localschoolsystemresourceandproductsupport.

Wirelesstelephonesystemor9locations.

NewEmergencyResponseandCrisisManagementplans.

DevelopmentotrainingandmaterialsthatcanbeusedtosustainandextendtheProgram.

raumabagspurchasedandinstalled.

On-lineFEMAcoursespromotionoccurred.

Wirelesstelephonesysteminstalledor11

schools.NewEmergencyResponseandCrisisManagementPlanscreatedoreachschool,centraloce,andsystem.

rainedSchoolSaetyCouncilmemberswillcontinuestatrainingintheuture.

Source: Allegany County Board of Education (2004)

Insubsequentsections,thisreportaddressesthethreeEmergencyResponseandCrisisManagement(ERCM)GovernmentPerormanceandResultsAct(GPRA)measures.Teseinclude:(1)Demonstrationoincreasednumberohazardsaddressedbytheimprovedschoolemergencyresponseplanascomparedtothebaselineplan,(2)Demonstrationoimprovedresponsetimeandqualityoresponsetopracticedrillsandsimulatedcrises,(3)Aplanor,andcommitmentto,thesustainabilityandcontinuousimprovementoschoolemergencyresponseplansbythedistrictandcommunitypartnersbeyondtheperiodoFederalfnancialassistant.

Table 2.1 Evaluation Framework continued rom previous page


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3.0 Project Management

3.1 Stafng

Tegrantwasadministeredbyaull-timeCoordinatorwhowasprojectedbythegrantapplicationtobeginemploymentinSeptember2004.However,thereweredelaysintheprocessosecuringunds and coordinating with other agencies involved in the Coordinator hiring decision,includingtheAlleganyCountyGovernment.Teactualhire,Mr.oddLake,aretiredU.S.Navycommissionedocerwithexperienceinsaetyandriskmanagement,occurrednearly6

monthslaterinFebruary2005andworkcommencedinspring2005.DelaysinthisprocesslaterrequiredthattheprojectbeextendedbyapproximatelyoneyearMr.Lakeworkedull-timeuntilDecember2006andswitchedtopart-timeemploymentduringthefnal3monthsotheprojectin2007.Additionaladministrativesupport(includingtheservicesoanadministrativeassistant)wasprovidedwithintheOceoHealthandFamilyLie.

PriortotheERCMgrant,theBoardoEducationhadnotbeenabletoemployaull-timesecurity/emergencydirector/plannerbecauseoundinglimitations. Tegrantenabledthispositiontobeundedona temporarybasistodevelopinstitutionalcapacityandthereaterpermitexistingpersonneltocoordinatetheprocessesthatweredevelopedduringthegrantperiod(e.g.,regularreviewoEmergencyPlans).

TegrantwascoordinatedinconjunctionwiththePublicSchoolSaetyCouncilwhichchangeditsnametotheSchoolSaetyCouncil.Tischangewasmadetoreectitschargeocoordinatingsaetymeasuresorallpublicandprivateschoolsasspecifedingrantandresultedintheexpansionomembershiptoincludeadministratorsromthoseschools.TeCouncilincludesseveralPublicSchool Administrators including the Director o Emergency Management (odd Lake), theransportation Supervisor, theMaintenance Supervisor, andthe Plant Operations Supervisor.TeCouncilmembershiprepresentsawidecross-sectionoareaagenciesincludingrepresentativesromlocallawenorcement,emergencyresponders,health,andmentalhealth.Membershipalsoincludesparentsandstudentsthoughattendancebythesememberswassporadic.Membersothebusinessandcommunityarenotcurrentlyincludedinthemembership,buttheywerekeptapprisedoschoolsaetyissuesthroughcommunityoutreachactivitiesdescribedelsewhere.

Te School Saety Council meets on a monthly basis, the last Tursday o every month.Recordsindicatethatmembershipparticipationimprovedduringtheperiodotheexecutionothegrant.Inormalobservationsuggeststhatgrantsponsoredactivitiesheightenedinterestinattendingthemeetings.

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3.2 Training Consultants and Materials

Teprojectadoptedatrainthetrainerapproachtostaandstudenttraining.NinemembersotheSchoolSecurityCouncil,includingfrstresponders,theLocalEmergencyManagementDirector,HeadoSchoolSecurity,andAssistantSupervisoroHealthandFamilyLieobtainedEmergency Response and Crisis Management training in a Emittsburg, Maryland workshopprovidedby BruceMarshall oMarshall ASA onMay1-5.Marshall isa retired Chieo theSupportSystemsBranchintherainingDivisionoFEMAsPreparednessDirectorateandwasresponsibleorFEMAtrainingactivitiesthere. Asaprivateconsultant,heisacertifedtrainerorFEMAsMulti-HazardEmergencyPlanningorSchools. TecurriculumwasbasedontheFederalEmergencyManagement AgencymanualMulti-Hazard Emergency Planning for Schools

rain-the-rainer.

Tecoregrouptrainedatthisworkshopwascertifedtotrainothers.MarshallconductedthefrstseveralsessionsbutthereatertrainingwasprovidedbythemorschoolteachersandstaatAlleganyCollege oMarylandondatesdescribed inSection 4.1 below. Tetrainingutilizeda manual,PowerPointpresentation,andthevideoTe First wenty Minutes.rainingparticipantsreceivedavarietyocoursematerials.TeseincludedtheFEMAstudentmanuals,EmergencyPlanningGuidelines alongwith school EmergencyPlan template, a copy othe Governor oColoradosColumbine Commission Report (http://www.state.co.us/columbine/Columbine_20Report_WEB.pd),andacopyothebrochure Practical Information on Crisis Planning: A Guide for Schools andCommunities.rainingemphasizedallourphasesocrisismanagement(mitigation/prevention,preparedness,responseandrecovery).Participantsintheoriginaltrainingwerealsobrieedonthe

availabilityoonlinecoursestudymaterialsattheFEMAEmergencyManagementInstitutewebsite(http://www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/crslist.asp).

Amodifedcurriculumwasoeredtoselectedothergroups.Forinstance,trainingwasextendedtoschoolsecretaries(notoutlinedintheoriginalgrantproposal)whichincludedspecializedtrainingonskillsordealingwithranticphonecallsduringemergenciesandprovidingbasicawarenessaboutschool emergency planningpreparedness such as the various typesoschool drills andtheirrationales.StudentvolunteerswererecruitedortrainingthatwasconductedatFrostburgStateUniversity.PresentationsweregivenontheAlleganyCountySchoolsemergencyplansandemergencydrills.Studentsalsoparticipatedintabletopexercises.

Someadjustmentsincurriculum,trainingdelivery,andparticipationdescribedintheoriginal

grantapplicationoccurredduringtheproject.Forinstance,guidancecounselorsparticipatedalongwithotherstainstatraining.However,theywerenotutilizedtotrainothersasspecifedinthegrant.Inaddition,ront-linestasuchasbusdrivers,custodians,andschoolcaeteriaworkerswereincludedinstatraining.Tiswasnotdescribedinthegrantapplicationbutatleastonegrantreereeremarkedabouttheirexclusion. Finally,thegrantapplicationindicatedthatcurriculumandtrainingwouldbebasedonmaterialsobtainedromtheRenewCenterorPersonalRecovery(http://www.renew.net)buttheMarshallASAtrainingalignedbetterwiththeobjectivesotheproject.


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3.3 Equipment Purchases

Arelativelysmallportionothegrantwasdedicatedtoequipmentandtechnologypurchases.Tegrantspecifedthat9schoolswouldreceivewirelessequipmentorschoolstoenablearobustwirelesscommunicationnetworktobeinstalledtoassistincrisisresponse.Duringthegrantperiod,11schoolsreceivedtheequipment.Teyincludedtheollowingschools:AlleganyHighSchool,BraddockMiddleSchool,CashValleyElementary,CareerandechnicalCenter,EckhartSchool(AlternativeSchool),FrostElementary,GeorgesCreekElementary,ParksideElementary,SouthPennElementary,WashingtonMiddleSchool,andWestSideElementary.

EachschoolwasequippedwitharaumaBagandeachschoolclassroomreceivedanemergencykit.rainingregardingthepurposeanduseothesematerialswereprovidedtoteachers,sta,

andstudents.

4.0 Proessional Development

Responder,staandteachertrainingwasacentralpartotheERCMgrant.TistrainingwasbasedontheMulti-hazardEmergencyplanningcurriculumandwasdesignedtobothincreaseawarenessandtohelpschoolsdevelopaproperemergencyresponse.rainingoccurredthroughoutthegrantperiodand

wasoeredinavarietyotimeandthematicormatsthatmettheneedsodierentaudiences.Tissectionreviewsparticipationlevelsandsatisactionwiththetrainingactivities.

4.1 Participation

rainingDates,topics,andattendancenumbersorthegrantperiodareshownintable4.1.Tegrantapplicationspecifedthat150teachers/guidancecounselorswouldbetrainedasaresultothegrant.Inactuality,approximately3 timesasmanyteachersandstaedweretrained.Tistotalincludesapproximately250teachersandanadditional200othersta(includingprincipals,schoolnurses,guidancecounselors,secretaries,receptionists,custodians,busdrivers,andcaeteriaworks). Forsomeothesessions, staromotheragencies were invitedtoattend. So, theirattendancewillbereectedintheattendancetotals(517intotal).Tegrantalsospecifedthat150 students (p. 12) would be trained. Approximately 200 students were actually trained.Although online independent study courses available at the FEMA Emergency ManagementInstitutewebsitewerepromotedduringvariouspresentations,nodocumentationwasavailabletosupportthatthesestudycourseswereusedbyteachersandsta.Also,thereisnoevidencethatparentswereincludedweretrainedinEmergencyResponse. However,outreachactivitieswereconductedtoamiliarizeparentsandthecommunitywiththeenhancedEmergencypreparationplansthatwerebeingimplemented.

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Table 4.1 Grant Training Characteristics

Date Location Topic Attendance

April26-27,2005 AlleganyCollegeoMarylandMulti-HazardEmergency

Planning50eachday

May1-5,2005 Emittsburg,MDEmergencyPlanning

rainingeam9people

May19-20,200 FederalCorrectionalInstitutionMulti-HazardEmergency

Planning50eachday

Aug2,3,2005 AlleganyCollegeoMarylandMulti-HazardEmergency

Planning

20day1;

30day2

Aug10-11,2005 AlleganyCollegeoMarylandMulti-HazardEmergency

Planning27day1;30day2

Aug22,2005 AlleganyCountyHealthDept.Condensedcourseto23

schoolnurses25

Sep9,2005 AlleganyCollegeoMaryland

CondensedCourseorBOEDirectors

Supervisors,andKeyPersonnel

12

June14-15,2006 AlleganyCollegeoMarylandMulti-Hazardemergency

planningtraining38

June28-29,2006 AlleganyCollegeoMarylandMulti-Hazardemergency

planningtraining40

July19-20,2006 AlleganyCollegeoMarylandMulti-HazardEmergency

planningtraining27

Aug9-10,2006 AlleganyCollegeoMarylandMulti-HazardEmergency

Planningtraining44

January192007 Secretarytraining 73

February1-22007 FrostburgStateUniversity Studentraining102day1;94day2

March26-27,2007 CommunityEmergencyResponseraining(CER)

12

March30,2007

CentralOceReceptionistraining

onEmergencycommunicationand

coordination

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4.2 Satisfaction with Training

eacherandstatrainingparticipantswereprovidedeedbacksurveyorms(seeAppendixA.1oracopyotheeacher/StasurveyormandAppendixA.2ortheSecretarytrainingorm)attheconclusionothetrainingsessions.Resultsromthesesurveys(seetables4.2and4.3)indicateahighlevelosatisactionwiththetrainingwithallotheparticipantsreportingthatthetrainingwasgoodorbetter.

Table 4.2 Teacher/Staf Training Survey Results

# %Excellent(5) 99 54.40

Verygood(4) 74 40.66

Good(3) 9 4.95

Fair(2) 0 0.00

Poor(1) 0 0.00

Mean 4.49 100.00

Table 4.3 Secretaries Training Survey Results, percentages o Total (N=37)

Excellent Good Fair Poor Mean

Didtodayssessionmeetallotheobjectivesotheagenda?

86.49 13.51 0.00 0.003.86

Howwelldidthesessionmeetyourobjectives?

81.08 18.92 0 0 3.81

Wastheinormationpresentednewanduseul?

75.68 24.32 0 0 3.76

Weretodaystopicscoveredinenoughdetail?

81.08 18.92 0 0 3.81

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5.0 Emergency Plans

WrittenEmergencyPlansoreachschoolwereavailablepriortothisgrant. However,theplansdidnotaddressthevariousrequirementsomoderncrisismanagementincludinganIncidentCommandSystem,accommodationortheourphasesoEmergencyManagement,andpreparationsoravarietyodrillscenarios.Teoriginalplanswerebasedonanad-hoctemplatedevelopedbyBeallHighPrincipal,Mr.GregSmith,andincludedpreparationdetailsoronlytwodrills,evacuationandlock-downandaddressed onlyten threats/hazards (i.e.,bomb threat/bombing, drive-byshooting,death/homicide,weapons/shooting on campus, trespassing/intruder, intrudes inside building, hostage, kidnapping,intrudersoutsidebuilding,hazardousmaterials).Tesehazardswerenottailoredtotheneedsand

circumstancesoeachschoolbutwereidentifedassystem-widethreatsandschoolemergencyplansadoptedacommonrubric.

Duringthegrantperiod,newEmergencyPlanswerecreatedoreachpublicandprivateschoolusingtheMulti-Hazard Emergency Planning for SchoolscurriculumandguidelinesprovidedinanEmergencyPlanning Guidelines for Schools(BOE2005)thatwasdistributedtoparticipatingschoolpersonnel.TesematerialsareavailableromtheU.S.DepartmentoEducationandaddressallourphasesocrisisplanning,includingmitigation,preparedness,response,andrecovery.TeGuideincludedfvechapterswhichcoverbackgroundinormationuseulindevelopingaplan:Chapter1--thedutiesandresponsibilitiesokeyschoolpersonnel;Chapter2keycharacteristicsoanEmergencyPlanandadescriptionotheSchoolincidentcommandsystem;Chapter3 theourphasesocrisisplanning;Chapter4preparingorterroristattacks;andChapter5howtoconductvariouskindsodrillsandtestsorpracticingtheplan.

TeappendixalsocontainsaschoolEmergencyPlantemplatewhichcanbeadaptedbyindividualschools. Tetemplaterequiredthatschoolsprovidecustomizedinormationintheollowingareas:(1)Introduction--alistoagenciesthatwillreceivedcopiesothedocument,andastatementbytheschoolprincipalabouttheimportanceocrisisplanning;(2)RiskAnalysis--avulnerabilityanalysiso school hazards likelihood and seriousness, (3) Planning a description o the school IncidentCommand System Structure and responsibilities o key administrators and sta, (4) Response guidelinesorcontactingEmergencydispatchers,inormationonestablishingancommandpost,anemergencychecklist,anddescriptionsolockdown,evacuation,andremaininginplaceprocedures,(5)MediaProceduresguidelinesormediarelationsandalistolocalmediacontacts,(6)Parent/Student

Reunifcationrulesandproceduresorreleasingchildrentothecustodyotheirparents,(7)Recoveryinormationontheissuesthatstawilllikelydealwithinrecoveringromanemergencysuchasgrieving,(8)ContactInormationphonenumbersorkeyEmergencypersonnelandschoolocesandaddressesandphonenumbersorevacuationsites,(9)StaRecallphonenumbersoreachschoolteacherandmembero sta,(10)EmergencyPhoneNumbers,(11)eletree ahierarchicalschoolpersonnelcontactlisttoensurethateachstamemberstaysinormed,(12)StaPersonalInormation


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acompletelistostamembersalongwiththeirhomecontactinormationandcontactinormationortheirspouses/guardians,(13)FloorPlansaoorlayoutoreachoorintheschoolacility,and(14)StaChecklistachecklisttobeusedintheeventoemergencies.BecausetheCentralOcehasnostudents,itsEmergencyPlandoesnotincludesectionspertinenttostudentmanagement.

Areviewoindividualschoolplansrevealedthattheyhadmostlyadheredcloselytotheguidelines.However,someexpectedelementsweremissing. Arepresentativeplanisincludedin AppendixA.3othisreport.Detailsaboutrecoveryactivitiesaretheleastspecifcbecausetheyaretobecoordinatedby Central Oce sta and involve certifed counselors. able 5.1 provides an assessment o thecompletenessoplansastheyrelatetoeaturesrecommendedinMulti-Hazard Emergency Planning forSchools rain the rainer.

Table 5.1 Emergency Plan Completeness

Do Plans Include? Sections

1.Whenitwillbeactivatedandbywhom? Planning

2.Generalareasoresponsibility,byposition? Planning

3.HowschoolpersonnelwillworkwiththelocalEmergencyManagerandfrstresponders?

Response

4.Astatementconcerningliabilityissues? N/A

5.Howtheresponsewillbecoordinatedandbywhom?Response

6.Howschoolpersonnelwillcommunicate? eletree

7.Howparentsandotherswillbenotifedthatanemergencyexists? N/A

8.Whowilldealwiththemediaandhow? MediaProcedures

9.Whenanevacuationwillbeordered? Mitigation

10.Howshelteringwillbeaccomplished? Response

11.Howstudentsandstawillbeprovidewithood,medicalcare,andotheressentialsupplies?

Response

12.Howtheschoolwilllocate,obtain,anddistributeresources? Response

13.Proceduresorassessinganddocumentingdamage? Response

14.Proceduresorconductingsearchandrescueoperations? Response

15.Proceduresorstudent/parentreunifcation? Parent/StudentReunifcation

Source: FEMA. 2006. Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Schools rain-the-rainer

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Teplansalsoshowanincreaseinthenumberovulnerabilitiesaddressedbytheschoolsystemasawhole.Amajorobjectiveasstatedinthegrantapplicationwastoincreasethescopeovulnerabilitiesaddressed rom merely intruders, suicide and bomb threats and expand the total number ovulnerabilitiesaddressedrom8to48.IncreasingthenumberovulnerabilitiesaddressedisalsoanERCMGPRAperormancemeasure.

able5.2indicatesthatthisobjectivewasachievedwith50totalvulnerabilitiesidentifed,includingnaturaldisasters,humancauseddisasters(e.g.,chemicalspills),crimeandviolence,andterrorism.

Table 5.2 School Vulnerability Assessments

Accesstoskillbldg-multipleentrances/exits Highwayaccident/spill

Agitatedstudent/parent Huntingaccident

Aircratcrash Lossopower

Bankrobbery Maintenanceshedspill

Blizzard/Snow/Ice Majorschoolincident

Bombthreat Missingchild

Bus/vehicleaccident Naturaldisaster

Chemicalleak(rail) Non-custodialparent

Chemicalspill Oiltanks

Chemicalmixbad Pandemicu

Contaminatedmail PrisonescapeCourthouseincident Railroad/trainderailment

Electricalwiring Severeweather

Explosioninschool Shootercriminal

Explosioninnearbystore Snake/animalbite

Explosioninactory Strayanimals

Fire(school) Studentkidnapping

Fire(orest) Studentwithweapon

Flood errorist

Gunmaninbuilding Treateningperson

Hazmattruckspill/explosion ornado

Hostage racaccident

Internal-boilers,gaslines Violentchild

Interior-machinery,chemicals,tools Wildanimal

Intruder Winddamage


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Asmentionedearlier,ratherthanadoptacommontemplate,eachschoolsel-identifedvulnerabilitiesbasedonindividualriskassessments.Terearebothadvantagesanddisadvantagestothisbottom-upapproach.Teadvantageisthatschoolsaremorelikelytoidentiyuniquesituationsorcircumstancesthataectschoolemergencypreparedness(e.g.,thepresenceoanearbyrailroad,risksoashooding).Tedisadvantageothismethodisthatschoolsmayoverlooksomecommonthreatsorvulnerabilitiesorthatvulnerabilitiesareassessedinawaywhichareinconsistentromschooltoschool(e.g.,aewschoolsdidnotidentiyabuildingfreorbusaccidentsasvulnerabilitieseventhoughtheyhavearelativelyhighlikelihoodooccurrenceandseverityeverywhere).Tisoccurreddespitethepreparationoadocument(EmergencyPlanningGuideline,July1,2005)which(Chapter3,page4)statedthatAtaminimum,theollowinghazardsmustbeaddressedinyourschoolsemergencyplan:chemicalspill,

fre,explosion,bombthreat,terrorism,toincludeachemicalorbiologicalattackandanattackagainstlocalmilitaryinstallations, schoolviolence,toincludeanarmedintruder,anycommercialendeavorthatdealsinhazardousorexplosivematerial(Forexample,AKorthepapermill),tornado,majorwinter storm, severe lighteningstorm, civil disturbance, losso electricity, losso communication,busaccident,any communityincidentthat willadverselyimpact theemotional wellbeingo staandstudents,suicideostaorstudent,deathoStaorstudent,kidnapping).Giventhissituation,schooladministratorsorSchoolSaetyCouncilmembersshouldconsiderprovidingadditionaltop-downguidancetoprincipalsinrevisingtheschool-basedvulnerabilityassessmentsinthenextyear.

hisevaluationwasnotabletodeterminetowhatdegreetheBoardoEducationEmergencyPlans are integrated into the County-wide Emergency plan. he County plan is posted at:http://www.eplan.allconet.org butitisorinternaluseonlyandaccessisrestrictedtodesignated

school,County,andpublicsaetypersonnel.However,projectstaindicatedthattheplansareacknowledgedandreerencedinthisCountyplan.

Severalothergapsareidentifedintheemergencyplans.First,manyplansdonotaddresstheneedsospecialpopulationssuchasdisabledstudents.Forinstance,BeallElementary,whichisnothandicapaccessible, makes no reerence to either its special populations or their unique communication,transportation,andmedicalneeds(p.13,grantapplication).Second,plansweresupposedtoaddresshowtheschoolswouldbepreparedtostandaloneorupto72hours(EmergencyPlanningGuideline,July1,2005,Chapter3,page4)butthisisnotreerencedintheEmergencyPlans.Tird,BoardoEducation(BOE)reportingproceduresollowingincidentsordrillsisnotdocumented,eventhoughanEmergencyResponseForm(seeAppendixA.4)hasbeencreatedorthispurpose.Fourth,thepartsotheSchoolplansthataddressRecoveryindicatethattheBOEwillsetthedirectionorrecoveryactivities.However,therewasnodocumentationavailablethatshowedhowthevariousmedical,inrastructure,insurance,liabilityissuesmightbeaddressedduringtherecoveryphase.

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6.0 Drills

Duringthegrantperiod,publicandprivateschoolpersonnelwereintroducedtonewdrillmethodsandtabletopdrilltechniques.Inaddition,amajordisasterdrillwasconductedatBraddockMiddleSchoolandsmallerscaledrillwasperormedatSt.Michaelsprivateschool.Duringtheall2006,thepublicschoolsystemconducteditsfrstsystem-widelockdownoall23schools.Documentationromtheseexercisessuggeststhatmanylessonswerelearnedbyschoolpersonnelandemergencyrespondersandthatemergencyresponsehasbenefted.However,noquantitativeevidencewasavailablethatshowedimprovedresponsetimesorimprovedqualityoresponse.

6.1 Types and Frequency o Emergency Drills.

Priortothegrant,theschoolsconductedwhatcouldbedescribedastraditionalfredrillsandanoccasionallockdown.Terewerenoevacuationdrills.Now,avarietyodierenttypesodrills(responsepostures)areconductedonaregularbasisincludingtheollowing:

Evacuation/re drills.Tisdrillpreparedstudentstoleavethebuildingquicklyandsaelyintheeventoafreorotherdangerousconditionwithinthebuilding.

Reverse Evacuation drills.Studentsreturntotheschoolromtheoutsideinordertoavoidadangeroussituationoutside.

Lockdown drills. Studentsarelockedwithinindividualschoolclassroomsinordertoprotectagainstdangerousindividualsinsideoroutsidetheschoolbuilding.

Lock-In drills.Entrydoorsortheschoolarelockedandingressandegressarepreventedtoprotectagainstdangerousindividualsoutsidetheschoolbuilding.

Shelter-in-Place drills.Studentsmovetoasecurepartothebuildingwheredoorsandwindowscanbecoveredtoprotectagainstdangeroussubstancesandvapors.

Drop, Cover, and Hold drills.Studentsfndasecureplacewithintheclassroomandcrouchtoprotectagainstyingorallingobjects.

Schoolbasedemergencyplansindicatethatthattheschoolswillconductmonthlyfredrillseachyearandeachotheremainingdrillsatleastonceduringtheyear.


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6.2 Tabletop Drills

Troughoutthegrantperiod,awidevarietyotabletopdrillswereconductedtoimproveEmergencyPreparedness.Inthesedrills,anemergencyscenariowasdescribedandparticipantswereaskedtoprovideadetaileddescriptionohowtheywouldreacttothescenario(seeAppendixA.5).Schoolbasedemergencyplansindicatethatschoolswillconductatleasttwotabletopdrillseachyear.

6.3 Braddock Middle School Evacuation Drill

TepublicschoolevacuationdrillwasconductedatBraddockMiddleSchool.Tedrillinvolved15localagencies,includingAlleganyCountyEmergencyServicesandcommunication,Allegany

CountyHealthDepartment,AlleganyCountySherisOce,AlleganyHighSchool,AlleganyCounty Board o Education, Braddock Middle School, Community Crisis Response eam,CumberlandCityFireDepartment,CumberlandCityPoliceDepartment,HazardousIncidentResponseeam,LocalEmergencyMedicalServices,MarylandStatePolice,andWesternMarylandHealthSystems.

Tedrillscenariowasaterroristattackinvolvingastolencropdusterwhichdispenses80gallonsoatoxicliquidsubstanceonstudentsandthencrashesintotheschoolgym.Tedrillwasprecededbyseveralplanningmeetingswiththeparticipatingagenciesandtwotabletopexercises.Parentalandcommunityawarenessothedrillwasconductedthroughnewsmediastories(seeAppendixA.6),parentalnotifcationandpermissionorms,andaneighborhoodyer.Teactual

drillwasheldonOctober11,2005withotherpublicschoolsinvokingalock-downduringthetimethatthedrilloccurred.FormalassessmentothelockdownswasconductedusingtheormincludedinAppendixA.7.

able6.1summarizestheresultsothedrilllockdownsurveyo19publicandprivateschools.Overall,therewasahighlevelosatisactionwiththelock-downdrills.However,someproblemswereidentifed,particularlyincommunications.Someprincipalsidentifedthepagingsystemasaproblemarea(seeAppendixA.8).Atypicalresponse:Pagingsystemwasgarbledattimes.Messageneedtobeshorteranddirectionsgivenimmediately.Otherprincipalsindicatedthattwo-wayradioswereeectivewaysocommunicatingwiththeCentralOceandtheIncidentCommandSystem.However,notall schoolshadthesedevicesandsomeschoolsthathadthemindicatedtheycouldusemoreothem.Someparticipatingschoolsusedcellphonesorcommunicationbut

oundthatbatteryliewastoolimitedorcontinueduse.Ahanduloschoolsreportedproblemswithindividualdoorsandwindowsthatpreventedthemromachievingacompletelock-down.

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AnassessmentotheBraddockDrillbyparticipatingagencieswasconductedaterthedrill.Writtensuggestionsorimprovementsweremadeinanumberoareas.Teroleotheschoolnurse,needoradditionaladjustmentstoimproveinternalcommunications,needtoimprovecommunicationsinteroperability,andneedtoprovidebetterguidelinesorcommunicatingwiththepublicwereidentifed.Agenciesalsosuggestedthattheamountopersonnelandcommunicationresourcesavailablewereinadequateorthiskindoemergencybutaddressingthesequestionsisbeyondthescopeothisgrant.

Table 6.1 Public School Emergency Drill Lockdown Data (N=19), percentage o total and mean.

(3) (2) (1) Mean

Planning

EmergencyPlanningeamEstablished 68 32 0 2.68

EmergencyPlaninPlace 63 37 0 2.63

Lockdowndutiesandresponsibilitiesexplainedtosta 79 16 5 2.73

StudentsrainedonLockdownResponse 74 26 0 2.73

Parentsinormed/educatedonlockdownresponse 63 37 0 2.63

Response

Communicationto/romcentraloce(PagingSystem) 48 26 26 1.78

imelydecisiontolockdownmade 79 21 0 2.78

ICSActivated 68 32 0 2.68

LockdownAnnouncement/notifcation 84 16 0 2.84

Lockdownexecutedasplanned 79 21 0 2.78

Lockdownevaluated 84 11 5 2.78

Lockdownendedpertheplan 74 16 11 2.63

Recovery

Lessonslearnedinputromsta 72 28 0 2.72

Lessonslearnedinputromstudents 56 28 17 2.38Lettersenthometoparentsexplainingthedrill 63 26 11 2.52

Emergencyplanmodifedbasedonlessonslearned 67 33 0 2.66

3=Outstanding, 2=Satisactory, 1=Needs Improvement


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6.4 St. Michaels Private School Drill

St.MichaelsElementarySchoolwasselectedasthesiteotheprivateschoolevacuationdrill.TedrillconductedonNovember14,2006wasoamuchsmallerscale(areweragenciesandpartnersinvolvedandarewerstudentsimpacted)thantheBraddockevacuationdrillbutstillrequiredadvancedplanning.TedrillwasprecededbytwoplanningmeetingsandtwotabletopdrillswithotherparticipatingagenciesincludingFrostElementaryBishopWalsh,AlleganyCountyBoardoEducation,FrostburgCityPolice,andFrostburgStateUniversity.

Tedrillscenarioinvolvedapoweroutagethatresultedinlossoelectricandheatattheschool

acility.TeschoolinvokeditsEmergencyPlanandconductedabusevacuationtoFrostElementarySchool.WhenstudentsromSt.Michaelsarrived,FrostElementaryconductedalock-downdrill.Responsesrombothelementaryschoolsindicatedthatthedrillproceededwell.However,therewassomeconusiononthepartoFrostElementaryabouthowtodismissstudentswhoseparentsarriveduringalock-downsituation.

6.5 Drill Improved Response Time and Quality o Response

No documentation is available or individual schools on how response times and quality oresponsetopracticedrillsandsimulationswereimprovedasaresultothegrant.However,severalschoolprincipalsreportedthatresponsetimesand/orqualityoresponseimprovedbecauseothetraininganddrillproceduresintroducedbythegrant.

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7.0 Communication and Collaboration

AnimportantgoalotheERCMgrantwastoimproveinteragencycommunicationandcollaboration.Tiswasaccomplishedthroughavarietyomethods,includingtheadoptionoanICS,telecommunicationsequipmentpurchases,regularmeetingsotheSchoolSaetyCouncil,andPublicity/Marketing/Outreacheorts.Accomplishmentsintheseareasaredocumentedintheollowingsubsections.

7.1 Communication systems and interoperability

Atthebeginningothegrantperiod,theAlleganyCountyBoardoEducationadoptedaNIMS

(NationalIncidentManagementSystem)resolution.TeIncidentCommandSystembecametheorganizationalstructurearoundwhichinternalandexternalcommunicationcoalescedandthechainocommandwasormalizedduringemergencyresponse.Inaddition,severalinvestmentsintelecommunications and radiosystems capacitywere leveragedby grant unds to improveemergencycommunicationamongschoolsta,withfrstresponders,andwithmembersothepublic.Teseimprovementsandplannedimprovementsareasollows:

Wireless system improvements.Becausewirelessaccessisrelativelyspottyinthemountainousareasothecounty,11schoolsreceivedwirelesssystemupgrades.

Pagers. Key central oice sta use pagers to obtain immediate inormation aboutemergencysituations.

Portable two way radios.TeAlleganyCountyDepartmentoPublicSaetyandHomelandSecurityprovided30handheldportabletwowayradiosandchargerstotheBoardoEducation.EachschoolandkeyCentralOcestawillreceiveoneradiotocommunicatewithfrstrespondersandinotherswithintheICS.

Cell phones.TeBoardoEducationisexploringthepossibilityoprovidingschoolandkeycentralocestawithcellphonestoimprovecommunications.

Base radio stations. TeBoardoEducationisinvestigatingthepossibilityopurchasingbaseradiostationswhichwouldbeinstalledinschoolandotherBOEbuildingstoprovidea

permanentbasisorcommunicatingwithfrstresponders.Grantundsarebeingsoughtorthesepurchases.

Cable Television Broadcasts. Memoranda o Understanding are being developedwiththethreeAlleganyCountycableproviderstoprovideanintegratedCounty-wideGovernmentAccesschanneltoprovideEmergencyCommunicationsmessagestothepublic.EquipmentpurchasesweremadeinMarch2007andtheequipmentwillbeinstalledattheCareerCenterinCresaptown.


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7. 2 Collaboration

Te coordinating or steering entity or the ECRM project was the School Saety Council.Tereore,thisbodyconductedasel-assessmentattheconclusionotheproject.InMarch2007,a surveyocollaborationeectivenesswasconductedtogaugetheextentocooperationandcommunicationamong participants andagencies included onthe School Saety CouncilandtomeasuretheirsatisactionthattheECRMgranthadachieveditsobjectives.TissurveyisincludedinAppendixA.9.Elevenresponseswerereceived.

able7.1indicatesthatallbutoneotherespondentsindicatedthattheywereatleastsomewhat

activeduringthegrantperiod.able7.2providesevidencethatcouncilmembersweresatisfedwiththemakeupotheCouncil,thatmemberscommunicatedclearlyduringmeetings,andthattheyunderstoodthegoalsotheproject.Membersalsoagreedthatthecouncilhadclearandeectivedecisionmakingprocesses,thatmembersunderstoodtheirroles,andthatmembershaverelationshipsbuiltontrustandmutualrespect.ResultsindicatedthatsomemembershadlittlecontactwithotherSchoolSaetymembersbetweenmeetings.Tatmakesattendanceatregularlyscheduledmeetingsthatmuchmoreimportant.

Table 7.1 Activity Levels o Partners

# %

Veryactive 7 63.64

Somewhatactive 3 27.27Notveryactive 1 9.09

Inactive

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Table 7.2 Indicators o Collaboration Success

% Agree

TecompositionotheSaetyCouncilteamwasrightorthisprogram. 100

TecompositionotheSaetyCouncilisappropriateormakingEmergencyManagementdecisions.

100

TeSaetyCouncilcommunicatedopenlyandclearlyduringmeetings. 100

TeSaetyCouncilcommunicatedopenlyandclearlybetweenmeetings. 73

MembersotheSaetyCouncilestablishedinormalcommunicationnetworks(e-mailcommunication,phonecalls,etc.).

64

MembersotheSaetyCouncilstahaverelationshipsbuiltontrustandmutualrespect. 91

IunderstandthegoalsandobjectivesotheEmergencyResponseandCrisisManagementproject.

100

Iunderstandmyrolesandresponsibilitiesasamemberothisproject. 91

TeSaetyCouncilhasclearandeectivedecisionmakingprocedures. 91

able7.3showsSchoolSaetyCouncilassessmentsothesuccessotheproject.MembersotheSchoolSaetyCouncilwereinagreementthatthegrantstrategieshadbeenimplementedandthattheyweredemonstratingpositiveoutcomes.TeyalsoindicatedthatcommunityawarenessoCrisisManagementhadincreasedduringthegrantperiod.

Table 7.3 School Saety Council Assessment

% Agree

CommunityawarenessoCrisisManagementhasincreasedinthepastyear. 90

Resourcesorthisprojectwereadequatetomeetobjectives. 70

Testrategiesothisgranthavebeenimplemented. 100

Testrategiesothisgrantaredemonstratingpositiveoutcomes. 100


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Membersappraisedtwelvedierentareasograntperormance.Teseresultsarepresentedintable7.4.TeyindicatethatmembersweresatisfedwiththecompletenessotheEmergencyPlansthatweredevelopedduringthegrantperiodandthattheseplansaddressedagreaternumberohazards.TeyalsoagreedthattheICSwaseectiveandthatcoordinationamongschoolsandemergencyserviceshadimproved.Someareasratedbelowa3(Good),includingQualityoStudentraining,PlanningorSpecialNeedsstudents,andQualityoPagingCommunicationSystem.Sincestudenttrainingoccurredtowardstheendothegrantperiod(February2007),membersmayhavenotbeenadequatelybrieedabouttheextentandresultsostudenttraining.Deectsinthepagingcommunicationsystemwerebeingaddressedwithanimprovedpagerproceduresandalsosupplementaltelecommunicationsequipmentsuchascellphonesandportabletwowayradios.Despitetheseconcerns,table7.5indicatesthatallothesurveyedSchoolSaetymembersweresatisfedwiththegrant

Table 7.4. Crisis Planning Perormance Areas Assessment, percentage o total.

(4) (3) (2) (1) (0)

Excellent Good Minimal Inadequate NA

Completenessoschoolemergencyresponseplans(3.45)

45.45 54.55 0.00 0.00 0.00

Demonstrationoincreasednumberohazardsaddressedbynewschoolemergencyresponseplans(3.36)

36.36 63.64 0.00 0.00 0.00

Demonstrationoimprovedcoordinationbetweenschoolsandlocalemergencyservices(e.g.,police,fre,healthsystem,HomelandSecurity)(3.54)

54.55 45.55 0.00 0.00 0.00

Qualityostatraining(3.30) 45.55 27.27 18.18 0.0 9.09

Qualityostudenttraining(2.89) 27.27 27.27 18.18 9.09 18.18

InclusionoFirstRespondersinplanning(3.27)

36.36 54.55 9.09 0.0 0.0

PlanningorSpecialNeedsstudents(2.82)

27.27 27.27 45.45 0.0 0.0

Demonstrationoimprovedresponsetimeandqualityoresponsetopracticedrillsandsimulatedcrises(3.36)

36.36 63.64 0.0 0.0 0.0


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(4) (3) (2) (1) (0)

Excellent Good Minimal Inadequate NA

Plansandcommitmentbytheschooldistrictandcommunitypartnersortheemergencyresponseplanstobesustainedbeyondthegrantundingperiod(3.18)

36.36 54.55 0.00 9.09 0.00

IntegrationotheSchoolEmergencyPlansintotheCountyEmergencyPlan(3.18)

27.27 63.64 9.09 0.00 0.00

EectivenessotheIncidentCommandSystem(ICS)(3.45)

45.45 54.55 0.00 0.00 0.00

Qualityothepagingcommunicationsystem(2.89)

0.00 72.73 9.09 0.00 18.18

Table 7.5 Overall Satisaction with the Grant, percentage o total.

VerySatisfed 27.27

Satisfed 72.73

SomewhatSatisfed 0.00

SomewhatDissatisfed 0.00

Notsatisfedatall 0.00

BecauseothepartnershipsthatormedandinormationthatwassharedamongSchoolSaetyCouncilmembers,additionalresourcesweresecuredthatstrengthenedgrantobjectives.Teyincludetheollowing:

AsaresultotheBraddockMiddleSchoolEmergencyDrill,theHealthDepartmentmadechangesinthesupplyomedicationsavailableorEmergencyresponse.

WithundingromtheMarylandInstituteoEmergencyMedicalServices,theStatePolicewere able to develop a Virtual Emergency Response System (MVERS) or Mt. SavageElementary/MiddleSchool.Tegrantprovidedsmartcarlaptops,sotware,andtrainingtodevelopthecapability.StatepoliceflmedtheinterioroMt.SavageElementary/MiddleSchoolinpanoramiccameraflm/videoinordertoprovideacompletelayoutothebuildingthatwouldbeavailabletomultiplerespondersintheeventoanemergencysituation.

Table 7.4. Crisis Planning Perormance Areas Assessment, percentage o total.continued rom previous page


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TeAlleganyCountyEmergencyManagementOceispurchasingportableradios(12-18)tohelpschoolscommunicatebetterwithfrstrespondersintheeventoanemergency.

TeAlleganyCountySchoolBoardissecuringundsortheinstallationosecuritycamerasattheentrance(s)opublicschools.TegoalistohaveeachschoolinthesystemcoveredbycamerasinFY08.

TeAlleganyCountyHomelandSecurityOcehelpedtoosetsomeothecostsotheBraddockMiddleSchooldrill.

3.3 Publicity

During the year, the Grant project director disseminated inormation about the enhancedemergencypreparednesseortstopartners,schoolpersonnel,students,and thegeneralpublic.Beore each o the two major school based drills, major news stories appeared in the localnewspaper,theCumberlandimes-News,andlocalradiostations(seeAppendixA.6).Parentsoschoolpupilsinvolvedintheexercisesandneighborhoodresidentswerekeptapprisedothedrillsthroughleaetannouncements.Inaddition,theprojectdirectormadeseveralpresentationstolocalciviccommunitygroupssuchastheKiwanisandLionsClubs.

Withgrant unds,enhancedpublicitywasalsoprovidedorthe1-800-IP-US-OFF24hoursHELPLINE(seeAppendixA.10).Fundswereusedtohelpderaythecostoyerproduction

andabillboard.Inaddition,announcementspreparedbyschoolchildrenwereregularlyairedonWCBCradiostation.

Severalpublicityeortswerenotcompletedintheirentiretyduringthegrantperiod.Teprevioussections discuss that eorts continue in implementing the regionally integrated Communityelevisionchannelwhichwillbeusedtobroadcastemergencymessagesalongwithothercontent.Inaddition,anERCMwebsiteortheAlleganyCountyBoardoEducationwasnotunctionalby the end o the grant. Although there was an opportunity to publicize better emergencypreparednesstoparentssuchastheneedorhomestobeequippedwithHomeEmergencyKits,itdoesnotappearthattherewereanyinitiativesundertakeninthisarea.

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8.0 Perception o Schools EmergencyResponse and Crisis Management Plans

Pre-andpost-testsurveyswereconductedoteachersandparentstomeasureattitudechangestowardemergencyresponseandcrisismanagementthatresultedromthegrant.Tepre-testparentssurveyconsistedoasubsetoninequestionsthatmeasuredaSaeandOrderlyEnvironmentthatwereincludedwithina50itemEective SchoolsClimate Survey that was mailedduring May 2005toparentsochildrenenrolledinAlleganyCountypublicschoolsduringtheschoolyear(seeAppendixA.11). 1,382surveysweresentand198werereturnedora14.3%returnrate.A parallel86item

teachersquestionnairewith12SaeandOrderlyEnvironmentquestionswasadministeredtoAlleganyCountypublicschoolteachersatthesametime(seeAppendixA.12).820surveyssenttoallteachersand632werereturnedora77%returnrate.

TeEectiveSchoolsSurveyisconductedeveryyearinordertoassessparentandstasatisactionwithpublicschools.TeSaeandOrderlyEnvironmentsectionwassupplementedtoincludeindicatorsthatcouldbeusedtoassesstheprojectimpact.Duringthe2006schoolsurvey,however,theeacherSurveywasnotconductedandtheParentSurveyscaleandquestionsweremodifedmakingitdiculttoconductapost-test.Also,manyproessionaldevelopmentanddrillactivitieshadnotbeencompleted

which made itdicult toassess the ull project impact. Tereore, a post-test survey or parentsaddressingonlytheSaeandOrderlyEnvironmentusingthesameitemscalewasmailedtoarandomsampleo1,000parentsinFebruary2007andanonlinesurveyoBOEteachersusingthesame

questionsasthespring2005eachersurveywaspostedinMarch2007.Tesesurveysalsoincludedsectionsorparentsandteacherstoincludeopen-endedresponses(seeAppendixA.13andA.14).TeresponserateortheParentSurveywas26.1%with261usablesurveysreturned.Teresponserateorthepost-testteachersurveywasexactlythesameasthepretestwith632completedonlinesurveys.

Teresults o the parent surveyare shownin table 8.1. It indicatedthat there was a signifcantimprovement in parent attitudes in areas related to EmergencyResponseandCrisis Management.Fitypercentoparentsindicatedinthepre-testsurveythatcrisisandemergencyresponseplansareadequateorhis/herchildsschool.Tisincreasedtoovertwo-thirdsinthepost-testsurvey.Teresultwasstatisticallysignifcantatthe =.01level.Signifcantimprovementswerealsoobservedinthepercentageoparentswhoreportedthatschoolshadadequatelypreparedoraschoolcrisisand/or

emergency andthatschoolshad adequatelypreparedor terroristattack, naturaldisasters, andhuman-causeddisasters.Teseimprovementsappearalsotohaveimprovedparentattitudesaboutoverallschoolsaety,withsignifcantlymoreparentsagreeingthattheirchildeelssaeatschool.Parentperceptionsorareasnotaddressedbythegrant,includingdrug,alcohol,andtobaccouse,didnotsignifcantlychange.


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Open-endedcommentsromparentsarelistedinAppendixA.15.Manyothesecommentsreectavorably onthechangesthathavebeenmadeduringthe grantperiod. Inaddition, someparentidentifedvulnerabilitiesthattheyeltstillneededtobeaddressedsuchassecuringandsurveillanceoschoolentryareasandproceduresorschooldismissal.AlthoughnotdirectlyrelatedtoERCM,schoolbullyinganddrugswerealsoidentifedbysomeparentsasproblems.Someparentswereskepticalthataneectivepreparednessplancouldbedevelopedandothersexpressedsomeinterestinknowingmoreabouttheschooldistrictsemergencypreparednessplans.

Table 8.1 Efective Schools Climate Survey or Parents, percentage agreeing

Pre Post

Mychildeelssaeatschool. 72.1 86.6***

+Crimeandviolenceisnotaprobleminmychildsschool. 69.4 61.5*

Mychildsschoolprovidesasaeandorderlyenvironment. 72.1 73.7

Tecrisisandemergencyresponseplansareadequateormychildsschool. 50.8 67.8***

Mychildsschoolhasadequatelyprepared(drills,exercises)oraschoolcrisisand/oremergency.

56.9 76.8***

Mychildsschoolisadequatelypreparedtorespondtoaterroristattack. 32.0 42.9**

Mychildsschoolisadequatelypreparedtorespondtonaturaldisasters. 33.2 53.1***

Mychildsschoolisadequatelypreparedtorespondtohuman-causeddisasters. 30.8 50.0***

Mychildsschoolisdrug,alcoholandtobaccoree. 49.0 49.6

+Question3wasstatedasollowsinthesurvey:Crimeandviolenceisaproblematmychildsschool.Soasnottoskewresults,statementisreversedromthisreport.

***=.01;**=.05;*=.10

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eachersurveyresultsareshownintable8.2.Teresultsareremarkablysimilartotheparentresponses.eachersexpressedmoreconfdenceinthecrisisandemergencyresponseplansandpreparedness.Teyexpressedincreasedagreementthatstudentsandstaellsae.Incontracttoparents,theywerealsomorelikelytoreportthattheschoolprovidesasaeandorderlyenvironmentinthepost-testsurveys.Onceagain,nodierenceswerenoticeableorareasnotimpacteddirectlybythegrantsuchasdrug,alcoholandtobaccouse,crimeandviolence,orstudentinvolvementinsettingclassroomrules.

AppendixA.16listsopen-endedcommentsoeredbyteachersonthepost-testsurvey.Manycommentsreectimprovedconfdenceinemergencyresponseplanning.However,someteachersindicatedthattheywereunamiliarwithplansandaewexpressedskepticismabouttheabilitytobeullypreparedoremergencies.Someteachersindicatedthattheydidnothavegokitsavailableintheirclassroom.Othersidentifedcommunicationproblemsandentrancestobuildingsthathavenotbeenadequatelysecured.

Table 8.2 Efective School Climate Survey or Teachers, percentage agreeing.

Pre Post

Tisschoolprovidesasaeandorderlyenvironment. 86.0 95.9***

Studentsandstaeelsaeinthisschool. 83.7 94.8***

Tephysicalappearanceothisschoolbuildingandgroundsisgenerallyneat,clean,andattractive.

82.9 89.4***

Crimeandviolenceisnotaprobleminthisschool. 81.0 81.0Tecrisisandemergencyresponseplanisadequateorthisschool. 72.1 86.2***

Tisschoolhasadequatelyprepared(drills,exercises)ortheschoolcrisisandemergencyresponseplan.

75.5 86.7***

Studentsareinvolvedinhelpingtodecideclassroomrulesandregulations. 63.4 63.6

Tisschoolisadequatelypreparedtorespondtoaterroristattack. 47.7 55.1***

Tisschoolisadequatelypreparedtorespondtoanaturaldisasters. 58.9 72.6***

eachersareconfdentthatstudentsaresaeandsecureinschool. 80.5 88.4***

Tisschoolisdrug,alcoholandtobaccoree. 69.1 69.1

***=.01;**=.05;*=.10


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9.0 Summary and Conclusion

TisEvaluationReportprovidessupportthatthestrategiesothegranthavegenerallybeenimplemented.Terehavebeensomedelaysinimplementingundingandhiring,butoncetheprojectwasputinmotion,theManagementPlanwasadheredtowithonlyahandulomodifcations.

Tegrantresultedinsystemicchangestothewaythatlocalschoolsprepareandrespondtoemergencies.TeBoardoEducationadoptedaNIMS(NationalIncidentManagementSystem)resolution,orgedcloserrelationshipswithlocalemergencyproviders,enhanceditstelecommunicationsequipmentorbetteremergencycommunicationand interoperability, revampedits EmergencyPlansto align withcurrentEmergencyResponsemodels,providedcomprehensivestaandstudenttraining,conductedavarietyonewemergencydrills,andconductedadditionalcommunityoutreachactivities.

Inaewinstances,grantobjectiveswerenotullyachieved.Forinstance,althoughequipmentwaspurchasedoraCommunityWideChannel,asitewasoundtohosttheequipment,andagreementsweresecuredorairingthebroadcasts,thechannelwasnotoperatingbytheendothegrantperiod(March31,2007).Inaddition,aprojectorEmergencyManagementandCrisisManagementwebsitewasnotconstructed. AlthoughrevisedSchoolEmergencyPlansincludemanyimprovements,somegapsremain.Finally,therewasnoidentifableassessmentsysteminplacethatquantifesthetimelinessodrillandemergencyresponses.

Insomeareas,theprojectwellexceededitsgoals.Approximatelythreetimesasmanypersonnelweretrainedasaresultothegrantthanwereprojected.Inaddition,dozensooutsideagencypersonnelweretrainedaswell.Fitymorestudentsweretrainedthanprojected.Furthermore,theSchoolSaetyCouncilwasaneectiveconduitinsecuringadditionalresourcestoenhancetheproject.Teseincludedundstoderaythecostsotheproject(e.g.,drills,radios)andundstocreatepanoramicvideootheinterioroschoolbuildings(MVERS)toprovideinormationaboutthelayoutobuildingtobeavailableintheeventoanemergency.

Surveyresultsindicatethatawarenessandsatisactionwiththeschoolsystemsemergencypreparednessimproved during the grant period. Surveys o sta and student participants show high rates osatisactionwiththetraining.Beoreandatersurveysoparentsandteachersshowsizeableshitsinsatisactionwiththeschoolboardsplans,drills,anddisasterpreparedness.SchoolSaetyCouncil

memberswerealsoinagreementthatthestrategieswereimplemented,wereeective,andthatthecommunitywasmoreaware.

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Althoughparentssatisactionimproved,theyexpressedsomeconcernsaboutcertainschoolsaetyissues.Forinstance,schoolentryandschooldismissalwerevulnerabilitiesthatmanyparentseltstillneededtobeaddressed.Althoughnotdirectlyrelatedtothisgrant,schoolbullyinganddrugswerealsoidentifedbysomeparentsasproblems.Someparentswereskepticalthataneectivepreparednessplancouldbedevelopedandothersexpressedsomeinterestinknowingmoreabouttheschooldistrictsemergencypreparednessplans.Someteachersreportedthattheywerestillunamiliarwithemergencyresponseplans,thatcommunicationissueswithintheICSsystemremain,thatgokitmaterialshadnotreachedthem,andthatcertainentranceshadnotbeenadequatelysecured.ConcernswereexpressedbyCouncil

memberstooorinstancethattheresourceswerenotadequateorthetask,thatcommunicationinteroperabilityproblems(inparticularthepagingsystem)remain,thatspecialneedsstudentsarenotadequatelyaddressedincrisisplanning,andthattheprojectmaynotbesustainablewithoutaninusionoadditionalresourcesromthoseplannedatthattime.

Withtheexpirationothegrant,theAlleganyCountyBoardoEducationhasidentifedaprocesstosustainthesystemoEmergencyPlanreviewandrevision,trainingandschooldrillsosteredbytheplan.Tegrant-undeddirectorpositionwillbediscontinued,butariskmanagementpositionundedorFY08hasapparentlybeencreatedtoassumehismajorresponsibilities.Inaddition,eachyeartheAlleganyCountySchoolSaetyCouncilandSchoolSuperintendentwillreviewtheEmergencyPlanningGuidelinesmanualandmakesrecommendationsorchanges.Tesechangeswouldthen

beadoptedinrevisedschool-basedplans.Eachschool-basedEmergencyPlanwillbeupdatedonanannualbasisbyschoolprincipals.rainingwillbeprovidedonanannualbasisbySchoolCouncilmemberswhohavebeentrainedinERCMmethodsandonlinecoursematerialswillbepromoted.

Teschoolsystemwillbebetterabletoevaluatetheeectivenessoitsemergencypreparednesswithnewevaluationmeasures.Boththeparentandteacherschoolclimatesurveyshavebeenrevisedtoincludepermanentemergencypreparednessquestions.Tiswillallowtheschoolsuperintendenttotrackprogressonthesemeasures.Priortothegrant,thesesurveyquestionscenteredprimarilyaroundtobaccouse,drugs,andcrimeissues.


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Reerences

AlleganyCountyBoardoEducation.2004.Emergency Response and Crisis Management Proposal.July8,2004.

AlleganyCountyBoardoEducation.Emergency Planning Guidelines.July1,2005.

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APPENDIX A.1TEACHER/STAFF TRAINING SURVEY


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A Penny For Your Thoughts

What I didnt like:What I liked:

I Learned:

5 Excellent

4 - Very Good

3 Good

2-Fair

1-Poor

Please rate

how this day

met yourneeds:

I would change: I would like to know more about


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APPENDIX A.2SECRETARY TRAINING SURVEY


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EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT

WORKSHOP

Allegany College of Maryland, Continuing Education

Cumberland, MD 21502

January 19, 2007

EVALUATION

For each of the following areas, please indicate your reaction:

EXCELLENT GOOD FAIR POOR

Did todays session meet all

of the objectives of the agenda? ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

How well did the session

meet your expectations? ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

Was the information presented

new and useful? ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

Were todays topics covered

in enough detail? ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

What was the most valuable aspect of todays meeting?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

How could the meeting have been improved?

What information do you still require?_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________


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APPENDIX A.3SCHOOL EMERGENCY PLAN


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APPENDIX A.4EMERGENCY RESPONSE FORM


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APPENDIX A.5SAMPLE TABLETOP DRILL


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APPENDIX A.6NEWS STORIES


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APPENDIX A.7BRADDOCK MIDDLE SCHOOLDRILL ASSESSMENT FORMS


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Board of Education of Allegany County

Lockdown Drill Report

School: __________________________

Incident Commander: ______________________________

Date: _____________

Time Drill Called: _____________

Time Lockdown Achieved: ___________

AREA Outstanding Satisfactory Needs Improvement

Planning

Emergency Planning Team

Established

Emergency Plan in Place

Lockdown duties and

responsibilities explained to

staff.

Students Trained on

Lockdown Response

Parents informed/educated on

lockdown response

Response

Communication to/from

central office (Paging System)

Timely decision to lockdown

made

ICS Activated


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AREA Outstanding Satisfactory Needs Improvement

Lockdown

Announcement/Notification

Lockdown executed as

planned

Lockdown Evaluated

Lockdown ended per the plan

Recovery

Lessons Learned input from

staff.

Lessons Learned input from

students.

Letter sent home to parents

explaining the drill.

Emergency Plan modified

based on Lessons Learned

1. Please explain all elements marked Needs Improvement.

A. Planning:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

B. Response:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

C. Recovery:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


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2. Please list all material conditions that prevented you from being able to lock

down. (IE, doors that do not lock, 1st

floor windows without shades, etc)

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. Other Comments:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Completed by: _________________________ (Please Print)

Date: ______________

Central Office Routing:

Initials: Comments

________ Todd Lake, Emergency Planning ________________________________

________ Lorelee Farrell, Asst Supervisor, School Safety _____________________

________ Larry Lancaster, Asst. Supervisor Operations ______________________

________ Wayne Belloff, Maintenance Supervisor ____________________________

________ Vince Montana, Facilities Director _________________________________

________ John Wagoner, Asst Superintendent _______________________________

________ Dr. AuMiller, Superintendent _____________________________________

________ Kim Coleman-Hotchkins, Secretary


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APPENDIX A.8SCHOOL LOCKDOWN COMMENTS


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PLANNING

Planwasinplace.(AlleganyHighSchool)

Wedidnotreceivethepagemessagetolockdown.Ieltweshoulddothelockdownanywayorthepractice.(Flintstone)

Tiswasthefrstdrill.Everythingwentwell.(Flintstone)

Althoughalettertotheparentswassenthomeromthecentraloce,therewerestillmanyparentconcernsandquestions.Itmayhavebeenhelpulortheschooltohavereceivedacopyotheexactletterthatwassenttoparents.(ParksideElementary)

Inhonoroschoollunchweek,parentshadbeeninvitedtoeatlunchwithstudents.Schoolstahadbeenassuredthatthedrillwouldbecompleteby11:00a.m. atwhichtimeparentswereexpectedtoarrive.Itisunderstoodbyschoolstathatitisnecessarytoperormdrillsinordertobeprepared;however,asthiswasthefrstdrillothistype,thisunexpecteddrillcreatedconusionandresultedinsomeparentsexpressingangerandrustration.(ParksideElementary)

Weoundaneedtoplanormanagingveryyoungordisabledstudentsduringlongerlock-downs(e.g.,fndingaquietareaawayromthegroup,etc.).Weneedtoreviewlock-downvs.dropandcoverprocedureswithatleastoneteacher.(WestsideElementary)

RESPONSE

Paginginowasbrokenandhardtoreadpercommunication!(AlleganyHighSchool)

Pagerswereincomplete.(AlternativeSchool)

Pagingsystemwasgarbledattimes.Messageneedtobeshorteranddirectionsgivenimmediately.(BeallHighSchool)

CommunicationromCentralOceneedimproved.Tecallerdidnotidentiyherselanddidnotleaveaphonenumber.Tereore,wedidntknowwhotocallback.(BishopWalsh)

Communicationor2nddrillcameromSr.Phyllispager.Notanyconusionthistime.Staandstudentsseemedtotakethisdrillmoreseriouslysinceitwasunexpected.(BishopWalsh)

Communicationonthebeeperneedstobeclear.oomanymessages.Somemessageswerejustcharacters.Westartedwhatseemedtobesoonerthanothers.(CalvaryChristianAcademy)

eachersandstudentsreactedquickly.Aterdrillteachersdiscussedwithstudentstheirconcerns.(Flintstone)


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Te frst lockdowns communication was successul. All areas utilized had walkie-talkiesto communicate to the central oce. Te second lockdown utilized more areas o thebuildingandthoseadditionalareas didnothaveaccess towalkie-talkies or communication.(GeorgesCreekElementary)

Schoolneedstobemorepromptwithitsevaluationodrill.(LighthouseChristianAcademy)

Sincetheprincipalwasunabletoattendtheinitialmeetingaboutthepager,directionsoritsuseweresomewhatconusing.Wewentintolockdownpriorto thedirectivethatsaidLockdownnow. It was dicult or us to understand themessages that were being displayed on thepager.Again,itwasrelatedtonotbeingamiliarwiththepagerandhowtouseitproperly.(WesternportElementary)

Communicationromcentralocewasoutstandingbuttocentraloceonourpartsatisactory.Mainlymyault,Iplacedthepageronmyprincipalsdeskaterthefrstlockdown.Imissedthesecondlockdown.Lessonlearned.(WestmarHigh)

oomanylongermessagesonpagerarehardtokeeptracko/manage.Whene-mailmessageissentromtheschoolconfrmingthatthelockdownhasbeenachieved,weneedtoreceiveacknowledgementthatthemessagewasreceived.WedidnothaveaprocedurecalledLock-Inprepared.Ithisistobeused,wellneedtoaddit.(WestSideElementary)

RECOVERY

Wedidnotdoaormalevaluationorthedrillromthestudents.WedidnotsendhomealetterollowingthedrillbutwearehavingaparentmeetingwithoddLakeonNovember2ndtodiscussourplan.(BishopWalsh)

Noormalstudenteedbackonlyverbal.(BishopWalsh)

Noissuesseemedtoarise.(CalvaryChristianAcademy)

School needs to be more prompt with its interview o students ollowing drill.(LighthouseChristianAcademy)

ASaetyNightisbeingdiscussedinordertogivemoreinormationregardingemergencyplanto

studentsandparents.(ParksideElementary)

Terewereparentsinthelobbyduetotheschoollunchweekvisitandsomeparentswereallowingotherparentstoentertheschoolduringthedrill.Terewasntclearcommunicationastowhyparentsoutsidethebuildingwerenotpermittedtoenter.(ParksideElementary)

Classroom teacher inormally solicited eedback rom students. However, eedbackwas notdocumentedanddiscussedwithsta.Ateruturedrills,wewillprovidestudenteedbackanddiscussionduringastameeting.(SouthPenn)

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OTHER COMMENTS

TeMassCasualtyDrillwasagreatlearningexperienceorus.WhileIeltweoperatedeectivelyorthemostpart,therearesomerealproblemsandconcernsweacewhenbeinginasituationsuchasthis:(1)PublicAddressSystem-OurPASystemdoesntworkinallpartsoourbuilding.Youcannotheartheannouncementsinthecaeteria.Whenwewereinstructedtolockdownagain,itcreatedproblemsgettingstudentstosaetyecientlyandeectively.(2)RoomPhones-eachershavenowayocommunicatingwiththemainoceromtheirclassrooms.Wecannotcontactindividualroomsromthemainoce.Tisisasaetyconcern.(3)AlphanumericPagers-Manyothemessagessentwereincompleteandragmented.Youcannotreadthemessagesinthedark.(4)Weonlyhave3two-wayradiosthatwork.Fivehavebeenordered,butarenotinasoyet.Itwaseasiertocommunicateonourcellphones.Inarealsituation,phonelinesmightnot

beavailable.Cellphonebatteriesstartedtogodead.(AlleganyHighSchool)

Wewereverypleasedhowourstudentsreactedtothedrill.Tesupportwearereceivingromthestudents,sta,parents,andstakeholders,hasbeenverypositive.(BelAirElementary)

Weneededbettercommunicationthroughoutourbuildingsowehavepurchasedhand-held2wayradios.Needtoclariythedierencebetweenlockdownandlockin.(BishopWalsh)

Pleaseclariydierence,iany,inlockdownvs.lock-in.Wedonotrecallanydiscussioninourtrainingonalock-in.(BishopWalsh)

Didnotknowhowtousethebeepertobeginwith.ookacoupleotimestofgureouthowtoreadalongmessage.Lockdownwasveryproftable.(CalvaryChristianAcademy)

Wedidntgointoasecondlockdown.Tiswasnotplannedorhereandwedidnotwanttocreatepanic.Iphonedthecentraloceorclarifcation.Isharedwiththemthatwewouldoptoutothissecondevent.Studentsandacultyhadbeencounseledandgiveninstructionsoroneevent.Wellplananotherlockdowndrillinthecomingmonths.(Calvar

allegany county (md) emergency response and crisis management grant evaluation, 2005-2007

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