Spotlight: Virginia Earthquake

In August 2011, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake originating in Virginia hit much of the east coast, including Baltimore County. While no significant damage was reported, the earthquake caused Baltimore County government buildings to be evacuated, and, according to a Baltimore news website, fire officials responded to several people stuck in elevators. In addition, Herndon school officials reportedly found cracks in the gymnasium of Kenwood High School in Essex and along the back wall of Pikesville High School. The cracks are thought to be a result of the earthquake.

When natural disasters occur in schools, it is important for all administrators to know the proper policies and procedures to ensure student and staff safety. With PublicSchoolWORKS Emergency Response course, staff will learn:

• What is required in a district’s emergency plan
• Employee responsibilities for activities in the plan
• The training requirements for emergency action plans
• The requirements for alarm systems
• The requirements for fire prevention plans and fire prevention measures
• The requirements for access to emergency exit routes


For more information about PublicSchoolWORKS’ Emergency Response and to ensure your staff is up-to-date on all natural disaster safety information, email sales@publicschoolworks.com.

SOURCE: Baltimore Sun