SCHOOL DISTRICT AND CITY COUNCIL COLLABORATION ON DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Roia Ferrazares, President

It is vitally important that we are all prepared for unexpected emergencies, and I believe we will all feel good about knowing that our children will be well cared for in the event that we cannot get to the school right away due to bridges or public transportation being down. 
In case you were not aware, the school district and the city council are collaborating on providing supplies for our public schools. Supplies such as shelters, first-aid,  water and search and rescue supplies. In addressing this issue, we as parent leaders, may wish to take this a step further in developing our own plans and resources specific to our school community. 
What can your site do to be involved: 
The city and the school district will be providing large bins at each site. There is a huge amount of time, effort, and money going into this project. This project cannot be successful without the support of the school site, and specifically help from the PTAs to rally and organize parents on the issue.  
While we do not have an arrival date for these bins yet, sites should begin their part by organizing a safety committee, a group of parents whose job it might be to: 

1. survey the site's needs with regards to disaster preparedness: earthquake, fire, etc. Schools will have different needs based on the site layout, the school space considerations, availability of a ready water supply such as a pool. One idea from John Muir is rubber garbage cans filled with items supplied annually by parents in each classroom, things like stuffed animals, snack food, notes from loved ones, etc. The can would be sealed, decorated, and ignored. This idea will not suit all school communities, but I think you may have a sense of what kinds of ideas I am referring to. 
2. Organize drives for extra materials the school will need: snacks on hand, clean sheets, blankets and sweaters/jacketsAny money donations to this project would be put in a districtwide fund which will be proportionally distributed amongst the sites so the more individualized needs can be met. The district requests this policy so that all sites can have needs met irregardless to financial resources.
3. Inventory the supplies annually. 
4. Participate in other school committees such as Site Council, BSEP or PTA when issues about school safety are being discussed. 

I am working with the district on this issue and welcome your feedback.