A place of safe refuge in the event of violent natural forces or a tornado should be included in the design of all new school buildings. Existing a school buildings should be analyzed by the architect, contractor, or engineer to determine if a safe place exists or if one can be readily adapted. Most criteria for fallout shelters are the same for…

A major emergency affecting a large number of people may occur anytime and any place. Natural disasters such as a flood, tornado, fire, hurricane, blizzard or earthquake, or an enemy nuclear attack on the United States may all constitute a major emergency. In any type of general disaster, lives can be saved if people are prepared for the emergency…

The Committee on Safety and Emergencies of Cornell University Libraries compiled this loose-leaf guide to handling emergency situations within the Libraries. The first section lists emergency situations in alphabetical order and provides step-by-step procedures intended to minimize danger to life and property. The remaining sections deal with…

Bombs and the threat of bombing can leave school personnel faced by an explosive hazard without knowledge of what to do. Therefore, a preplanned response is necessary. Discusses four major stages of dealing with bombs and bomb threats. (Author/RK)

Surveyed patients and families who used hotline emergency service in ambulatory day treatment center for frail elderly. Results revealed appropriate use of service: Most calls required medical intervention, including hospitalization in 31 percent of cases. Findings suggest that 24-hour medical coverage is necessary and cost efficient. (Author/NB)

Describes a newly developed model of intervention that responds rapidly to natural disasters or political and social crises. The model focuses on community response to the event to identify a community of sufferers. Highlights the efficacy of service delivery wherein the relationships among social workers are egalitarian and cooperative.…

Liability suits involving accidents in park and recreation areas are expensive and intangible costs are incalculable. Risk management practices related to park planning, personnel, and administrative practices are discussed. (MT)

Disasters and emergencies can and do occur in schools. Presented here are 10 steps principals can follow in developing a formal emergency preparedness plan that is up-to-date and operable. (MD)

Although American schools have not been targeted for terrorist activity, circumstances do warrant that schools adopt a heightened state of awareness. This guide addresses the potential for terrorist activity within the context of September 11, 2001, and the new reality America faces. A significant portion of the information in this guide was…

Between February 7 and February 24, 2002, Utah and Salt Lake City hosted the Winter Olympics. Due to the bombing at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and the emotional fallout that resulted, it was recommended that the Utah Psychological Association and Utah Red Cross plan for such an occurrence and organize a coordinated Disaster Mental Health…

Following the Oklahoma City bombing, fifth graders at a nearby elementary school coped with ensuing uncertainty, pain, and loss. They wrote appreciative letters to fire and rescue workers; shared personal stories with classmates; compiled an anthology of poems, prayers, and stories; attended an assembly to honor parents participating in rescue…

Discusses common weather-related hazards (floods, windstorms, and winter storms) and provides some steps administrators can take to protect their schools. Suggests administrators periodically assess their school's commitment to loss control, housekeeping, suitable building construction and reinforcement, sprinkler systems, water supply,…

This article briefly portrays the impact of the September 11 disaster on social work research in New York City and summarizes what lessons can be learned from the experience. Also describes what is known from earlier research on community disasters and offers suggestions for future research informed by the cumulative evidence from disaster…