Children in schools

In the event of a community or national emergency, or an evacuation or a shelter-in-place order, parents should check the local media, local school system, and web sites for announcements about changes in school openings and closings. News about changes in school schedules is routinely disseminated through most metropolitan radio and television stations. Generally, unless evacuation of a particular school is ordered, students will be kept at school until safe transportation can be arranged. Because the best place for children during a regional crisis may well be in school, parents are discouraged from going to school to pick up their children. If a parent does go to school, he or she should be prepared to present the identification required by the school system—usually a photo ID. Note that if a school is ordered to provide shelter in place—to protect the safety of the children—no one will be allowed in or out of the school building until the danger has passed. In that event, parents, for their own safety, should also remain indoors. Parents should check the local media and school news outlets regularly for announcements about school decisions.