Columbia University has started a project that, in the first two phases, will provide an internal fire alarm system to residence halls and academic buildings. The third phase will be major structural changes to bring older academic buildings up to meet new life safety codes. (Author/MLF)

Outlines four phases in the development of a disaster recovery plan that will ensure minimal disruption of operations in the event of a disaster. (MD)

Competencies required by paraprofessional personnel who are responsible for transportation of severely handicapped students are discussed in terms of behavior management strategies, safety, medical considerations, and five other aspects such as use of a functional radio and a telephone chain for emergencies. (MC)

This issue of ERCMExpress presents "The National Incident Management System" (NIMS) is the United States' uniform system for managing domestic incidents and is suitable for schools to implement in the four phases of their crisis planning: (1) prevention-mitigation; (2) preparedness; (4) recovery. The NIMS is a comprehensive approach to…

A brochure provides a checklist highlighting the important questions and activities that should be addressed and undertaken as part of a school safety and preparedness program for earthquakes. It reminds administrators and other interested parties on what not to forget in preparing schools for earthquakes, such as staff knowledge needs, evacuation…

This article describes the crisis intervention techniques used by the San Fernanco Valley Child Guidance Clinic to help families deal with the traumatic events experienced in the 1971 earthquake in California. (Author)

Article stresses the vital role of adult education as a means of ensuring active participation of adult learners in various duties and jobs that are called for during an emergency. (Author/ML)

Extension agents present programs in the public schools on the Science of Tornadoes, Science of Radiation, and Science of Protection from Radiation. (EB)

Presents an eyewitness account in diary form recording day-by-day reactions to the nuclear crisis at Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania. (CK)

Reviews in-situ burning with particular emphasis on how it can be applied in water-related oil spill situations. Presents and discusses the use of nomograms and development of techniques cited for safe and effective ignition and controlled burning of spilled oil. Includes representative oil spill scenarios and possible responses. (15 references)…

Recounts the experience of East Carolina University (North Carolina) in responding to the disaster of Hurricane Floyd in 1999. Identifies 10 operational lessons such as ensuring that the institution's emergency response team is prepared for quick decisions and planning with the assumption that all vital utilities will be lost for not less than a…

Makes a case for integrating the emergency action plan with improvements in physical security and communications to outside authorities that are poised to assist in an emergency. Current technology is explored, including tips for using computers to manage school security for each and every school in the community or district. (GR)

Describes Stanford University's campus safety plan, asserting that it allows officials to act quickly, preserve lives, protect the institution's intellectual property, and maintain its academic mission. (EV)

Describes principal-initiated process to develop and implement a disaster preparedness plan for a rural elementary school. (PKP)

Disasters happen all the time; yet despite this, many organizations are caught unprepared or make unrealistic assumptions. These factors create environments that will fail during a disaster. Most information technology (IT) curricula do not cover disaster recovery (DR) plans and strategies in depth. The unfortunate result is that most new computer…