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Safety
in Ohio Through Service (SOS) |
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Module designed by Bette Christman, Maysville
Local Schools
Guidebook
Download
Sometimes, after a school renovation or new
building construction, buildings are left unused. This module
takes abandoned or no longer needed school buildings and converts
them into emergency shelters for the community. When not in
use as a shelter, the building can be used for additional
activities or rented out to organizations such as day-care
centers and the like. This module engages students in emergency
preparedness and planning. Students get the satisfaction of
helping to plan, design, and put together an important asset
for the community in which they live.
Instructional Supplies and Materials:
-
The American Red Cross Requirement List and Catalog for
Emergency Shelters
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Journals or other reflection forms
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Writing instruments
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Graph paper
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Tape measures
Major Partners:
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Local School District administration (for approval of building
use)
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American Red Cross
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County Emergency Management Agency
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Local Law Enforcement and Emergency Response agencies
Challenges Encountered:
- If you have not implemented a project of this scope, you
may experience some resistance from faculty who are also
busy with other projects. Provide as much detailed information
as possible and keep your team involved and informed as
the project progresses.
Recommendations for Implementation:
- Get your team together early. Work with teachers to develop
classroom plans that integrate the project into state standards,
benchmarks, and indicators. Your major partners may have
supplies and/or funding for your project and will be vital
partners in this type of project.
- Make contact with local media and keep them informed
on the progress of the project. This not only keeps the
community aware of the project progress, but more importantly,
lets them know where it is!
- The building will obviously not be used in emergency
situations everyday. Consider alternative uses for the space.
For example, funding is required to maintain the shelter
(the original implementation was housed in a gymnasium and
locker room). Programs such as daycare, Head Start, alternative
school, and multi-handicapped classes can by housed in the
building, helping to cover regular maintenance costs.
Curriculum Integration:
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This module can be integrated into a variety of curricular
areas including social studies, math, language arts, art,
science, and health. More detailed suggestions can be found
in the Guidebook for this Learning Module.
Implementation
Steps:
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School District approves use of facility as a shelter.
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Secure funding for supplies and necessary refurbishment.
Example: a 50-person shelter will cost approximately $3,500-$4,000
in supplies.
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Appoint a project Coordinator to support and lead the project.
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Hold regular meetings with teachers to integrate the project
into the classroom.
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Students carry out subject area studies, working with the
Red Cross to purchase necessary supplies.
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Students assist in set-up of shelter.
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Publicize location of shelter to greater community.
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