Schools in 34 States to get $24 Million in Emergency Management Funds

The federal government is handing out $24 million in grant money to school districts across the nation to help them enhance and fortify their readiness and emergency management plans.

According to an article on the MacroWorld website, Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings announced last week that the money would go to 92 school districts in 34 states.

“Nothing is more important to Americans than the safety of their children,” Spellings said. “These grants will support that effort by helping more school districts strengthen their crisis planning and better coordinate with the entire community to ensure the safety of our schools and students.”

The Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) discretionary grant program provides funds for school districts to improve and strengthen their emergency management plans. For a school district to qualify for a grant, its improved plan must address all four phases of emergency management: prevention-mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

According to the article, the plans also must commit school districts to coordinate with officials in law enforcement, local government, public safety, public health and mental health; train school officials in emergency management; and provide a method for communicating emergency and reunification procedures to parents and guardians. Measures also should support the implementation of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which works to prevent the outbreak of infectious disease and should take into consideration districts’ special needs populations.

Funds may be used to coordinate with local emergency responders, including fire, police, and health and public health agencies; conduct drills and exercises; purchase emergency supplies and equipment; and to train staff and students on emergency response procedures.

To read the full article, click here: http://macroworldinvestor.com/m/m.w?lp=GetStory&id=309244911