When schools plan for emergencies, there tends to be a focus on prevention and immediate response, while reunification can be an afterthought. However, planning for reunification is crucial!
From gas leaks to power outages to inclement weather to violent events, there are many scenarios that may prompt an evacuation. Without a plan for reunification, the results can be chaotic. Preparing in advance allows the reunification process to roll out smoothly, and tools like OSCR360 can help.
Getting started your reunification checklist
“…Putting an orderly reunification plan into action will help defuse the emotion building at the [reunification] site.”
–The “I Love U Guys” Foundation
What do you need to include in your school’s reunification plan to help maintain a sense of calm and order at the reunification site? Here is a basic reunification checklist to help you get started.
Agreement between school and off-site facility
Make arrangements and sign a contract with an off-site facility to use as a reunification site during an emergency. Consider locations such as churches and community centers with plenty of space, restrooms, storage and parking.
Roles and responsibilities
Predetermine and assign your staff to designated roles, such as district commander, safety officer, planning chief, public information officer, command post assistant, staging area manager, exterior/interior operations directors, responder check-in and more.
Reunification site areas
Predetermine set areas for staging, command post, parent check-in, parent waiting area, parent parking, first aid, counseling, media area, etc.
Communication
Plan for efficient, concise communication with first responders, transportation, and parents. Pre-planned verbiage for communication with parents is especially helpful.
Plan for individuals who need extra assistance
Consider physical, social, emotional, and behavioral needs as you plan proper accommodations.
Signage
Prepare clear, concise, legible signage to direct teachers, students, and parents as they arrive at the reunification site.
Supplies and Equipment
Consider any supplies or equipment you may need, such as a box of binders with job action sheets, pens, paper, clipboards, parent forms, attendance lists, tape, safety vests, caution tape, wristbands, ID badges, lanyards, bullhorn/megaphone, or radios/walkie talkies.
Medical supplies and water
Arrange a well-stocked first aid kit and bottled water to be accessible at the reunification site.
Tips to Improve your Reunification Process
Reunification planning can be intense; however, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. There are plenty of tools and resources available to assist. Here are a few that we think you may find helpful:
- The OSCR360 System documents your reunification location in 360-degrees, creating a virtual walkthrough of the site. Build and store complete reunification plans, including layout and signage. Share your reunification plans with law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies. Refer to the virtual walkthrough on a regular basis as your school plans, trains on, and reviews reunification procedures, without dealing with the complicated logistics of traveling to the physical reunification site.
- The “I Love U Guys” Foundation provides a free reunification operations kit for schools to use. The kit includes checklists, signage, parent communication messages, parent forms, binder labels, and more. Each of the Foundation’s resources is invaluable, combining best practices for crisis response and post-crisis reunification at no cost.
- FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has compiled a list of questions for schools to consider as they plan for reunification, which includes the topics of preparedness, evacuation support, shelter operations, reunification mechanisms, and public information/outreach. Go through the list of questions to ensure that your school has addressed the essentials in its reunification plans.
About L-Tron
Our team has over two decades of experience in the public safety realm. We are dedicated to improving safety in our schools and community. Our patented OSCR360 is designed to simplify and improve the process of planning, training, and collaborating with first responders.
Did you find this reunification checklist helpful? Have more questions about reunification or emergency planning with OSCR360? Check our these additional resources
