Here are 10 emergency preparedness actions parents should consider at the beginning of the school year:

1. Update Contact Information: Ensure that the school has accurate contact information for both parents and/or guardians. Include phone numbers, email addresses, and emergency contacts.

2. Review School Emergency Procedures: Familiarize yourself with the school's emergency protocols, including lockdown, evacuation, and reunification procedures.

3. Provide Medical Information: Let the school​ know about any medical conditions, allergies, or medications your child has. Ensure that the school nurse and relevant staff have these details. https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/allergies-and-asthma-at-school/managing-allergies-in-schools-a-guide-for-staff/

4. Emergency Contacts: Provide a list of trusted people who are authorized to pick up your child in case you're unavailable during an emergency. https://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is242b/student%20manual/sm_03.pdf

5. Discuss Safety with Your Child: Talk to your child about what to do in different emergency situations, like fires or lockdowns. Ensure they know who to contact and where to go. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/actions-schools-are-taking-to-make-themselves-safer.aspx

6. Create a Communication Plan: Establish a clear communication plan with your child for emergencies. Teach them how to use a phone and decide on a meeting point if they need to leave the school grounds. https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/family-emergency-communication-planning-document.pdf​

7. Update Medical Supplies: If your child requires medicine or medical supplies, ensure that the school has a sufficient and up-to-date stock. https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-kits/basics/art-20056673

9. Stay Informed: Stay informed about the school's safety drills and activities. Attend parent-teacher meetings where emergency procedures may be discussed. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/actions-schools-are-taking-to-make-themselves-safer.aspx

10. Review Transportation Plans: If your child uses school transportation, review the safety measures in place for bus or carpool travel. https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety

References:

​These references provide information on preparing for emergencies during the school year, with a focus on the safety and well-being of children.

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Back-to-School Tips: COVID-19 Safety and Preparedness. https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/back-to-school-tips-covid-19-safety-and-preparedness/

2. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (n.d.). Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other Special Needs. https://www.fema.gov/prepare/accessible

National PTA. (n.d.). Back-to-School Safety Checklist. https://www.pta.org/home/run-your-pta/school-of-excellence/health-and-safety-toolkit/back-to-school-safety-checklist

3. https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/allergies-and-asthma-at-school/managing-allergies-in-schools-a-guide-for-staff/

4. https://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is242b/student%20manual/sm_03.pdf

5. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/actions-schools-are-taking-to-make-themselves-safer.aspx

6. https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/family-emergency-communication-planning-document.pdf

7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-kits/basics/art-20056673

8. www.ready.gov/kit

9. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/actions-schools-are-taking-to-make-themselves-safer.aspx

10. https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety ​