What does this committee do?
Emergency preparedness is intended to (as the name implies) plan procedures for what to do in the event of a school lock-down or a catastrophe. The procedures themselves are planned by the school district. Thoreau’s PTA participates in the process by covering the expenses for student support in the event the students are at school for a longer period of time. Emergency kits are collected for each student, containing blankets, water, food and perhaps some comfort items. PTA will also support the classrooms. Each room has it’s own supplies, which PTA will update and verify that all of the needed items are included. The committee is responsible for oversight of these activities.

What does the Emergency Kit contain?
Following is an example of what PTA has requested from parents in the past, in order to create the Emergency Kit for their child. This may vary from year to year, and in some cases PTA may be able to supply some of the items.

-- Sample Request to Parents-- Comfort letter and small items: You may send in a photograph and note that reassures your child that things are under control and you will be reunited soon. You may also include a small item to comfort your child (i.e., book, small toy). Please keep it small and light since each classroom has only one duffle bag, which has to be carried out in an emergency. Please write your child’s name on the outside of the envelope or baggie in which you send your items. Please understand that teachers may need to send select items home if their duffle bags become too large. Old baseball caps: Please send in old baseball caps. We will wash and spray paint these for use by student helpers and other volunteers for quick and easy identification.