school partnerships are essential during disasters trainin… · students and staff •loss of...
TRANSCRIPT
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School Partnerships are Essential
During Disasters
Old School – Notification of School
Closures
Old School – Notification of School
Closures
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May 2015 – Memorial Day Flood
How to establish a partnership
between non-government partners and
emergency management
• Relationship between Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Region 4 Education Support Center
• Requested a meeting with Region 4 ESC
• Presented at a Superintendents Meeting
How to build trust, collaboration, and
support before a disaster
1st - Identify the Problem 2nd - Provide a Solution
3rd - Establish a relationship with key partners
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Education Service Centers
https://tea.texas.gov/regional_services/esc/
Region 4 – At A Glance
Hurricane Harvey – By the Numbers
August 25, 2017
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60.58 Inches of Rain
300,000 Flooded Structures
500,000 Flooded Automobiles
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60,049+ Rescues
Collaboration is Essential in a Disaster
• Relationship with Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Conference Calls with Superintendents
• County Text Message Groups
Before the Storm
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• Single Point of Contact for Superintendents and Local and State Authorities
• Daily Conference Calls with Superintendents
• Weather Updates from Harris County Flood Control and OEM
• Communication and Support for 60 School Site Shelters – most spontaneous
• Facilitate bus transportation to primary city and county shelters
During the Storm
Dr. Thomas Randle, Superintendent, Lamar CISD
During the Storm
Westfield High School, Spring ISD
School Staff as First Responders
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Westfield High School, Spring ISD
During the Storm –
Our Schools Became Shelters
Westfield High School, Spring ISD
During the Storm –
Our Schools Became Shelters
Channelview High School, Channelview ISD
During the Storm –
Our Schools Became Shelters
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Kempner High School, Fort Bend ISD
During the Storm –
Our Schools Became Shelters
Harvey’s Impact on Schools –
Catastrophic Damage
C.E. King High School, Sheldon ISD
Kingwood High School, Humble ISD
• 21 campuses in Region 4 districts were unable to reopen due to catastrophic storm and flood damage
• Number of instructional days missed ranged from 5 to 18 days
• Dramatic increase in number of homeless students and staff
• Loss of student enrollment and district property value
• Potential impact on student achievement
Harvey’s Impact on Schools
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Conference Calls with Superintendents and the Texas Education Agency
After the Storm – Immediate Support
After the Storm – Immediate Support
Developed Disaster Recovery Support Portal
Region 4–After the Storm – Immediate
Support
Disaster Recovery Support Portal Resources
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After the Storm – Immediate Support
After the Storm session• Presenters: Commissioner of Education, TEA
Staff, FEMA, and Attorneys• Topics: Insurance/property claims, post-disaster
procurement, enrollment/services for displaced students, attendance waivers, employment and payroll challenges, services for special needs students
• Coordination of Communication with TEA
• FEMA Assistance
• Facilitate Communication between FEMA and Districts
• Assist with District Submission of Request for Public Assistance
• Technical Assistance Related to FEMA and Insurance Issues
• Multi-jurisdictional Mitigation Plan
After the Storm –
Ongoing Operational Support
• Communication and Relationships Are Key
• Schools as First Responders
• Instructional Calendar Considerations
• MOU’s Between State and Local Agencies
• Coordination Required to Manage Donations
• Logistical Challenges in Serving Displaced Students and Staff
• Regional Nature of Post-Disaster Decision-Making
Lessons Learned
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Dr. Wanda Bamberg,
Former Superintendent,
Aldine ISD SD
When the floodwaters rose,
the community came to the steps of the schoolhouse.
ITC Tank Fire – City of Deer Park
Credit: REUTERS/David J. Phillip; Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/houston-
area-chemical-fire-expected-burn-days-n984686
ITC Tank Fire
Credit: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle, Staff photographer
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ITC Tank Fire
Credit: REUTERS/Loren Elliott; Retrieved from
https://www.texastribune.org/2019/03/21/deer-park-texas-terminal-fire-shelter-benzene/
ITC Tank Fire
Credit: National Weather Service; Retrieved from https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-
texas/houston/article/How-the-weather-impacts-the-chemical-fire-in-Deer-13699604.php
• Relationships, Trust, and Communication Network
• Weather Forecast Information Critical to Decision-making
• Logistical Challenges for Shelter in Place Orders for Schools
• Instructional Calendar Considerations
• Regional Nature of Disaster Decision-Making
Lessons Learned – ITC Tank Fire
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Special Recognition from Region 4 Superintendents
Pam Wells, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Region 4 Education Service Center
Ammy Gierzak
Homeland Security Planner
Harris County office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management